Staff Reporter.
Mercedes and fuel and oil partner Petronas are getting a head start on Formula 1’s future engine regulations by extending their collaboration beyond 2026.
Petronas has been a sponsor of the Mercedes F1 team since the German manufacturer’s return to Grand Prix racing as a works outfit in 2010.
But the relationship transformed into a close technical partnership with the advent of the hybrid era in F1 in 2014, with the Malaysian oil company reaping the benefits of the Brackley squad’s unwavering success during eight consecutive seasons.
With the arrival of its new generation power unit in 2026, F1 will usher in a new era where sustainable fuels will become mandatory, and Mercedes and Petronas are anticipating the sport’s new engine rules by committing to their partnership four years in advance.
Mercedes have won the constructors title eight times since partnering with Petronas in 2010, though drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are yet to win a race this season.
“Today we are doing something a little bit unusual – announcing a partnership that will begin in four years’ time,” said CEO and team principal Toto Wolff.
“This sends an important message: our team and Petronas are no longer just partners, we are family, and we will be one team for many more years to come.
“From 2026, advanced sustainable fuel will be at the heart of F1 performance – and this gives us a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in this domain, through both the power unit and Petronas Fluid Technology Solutions.”
Wolff, Hamilton and Russell are in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, which will take place this weekend at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.