Mercedes is the most successful team in Formula One history, having won the constructors' and drivers' championships eight times in a row from 2014 to 2021. The team is also the current champion, having defeated Red Bull in a close duel with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas at the wheel last season. But, in 2023, what engine will Mercedes utilize, and how will it affect their performance?
Mercedes’ engine history
Mercedes has been a constructor and an engine provider in Formula 1 since the world championship started in 1950. Between 1954 and 1955, the team dominated F1, winning two constructors' championships and five drivers' championships. After the fatal Le Mans tragedy in 1955, the team retired from racing, and they did not return as a constructor until 2010.
Mercedes has served as an engine supplier for some of the most recognizable teams and drivers in F1 history, including Michael Schumacher, Mika Hakkinen, Brawn GP, McLaren, and Williams. The firm is the most successful engine builder in F1 history, having supplied engines for 13 constructors' championships and 16 drivers' championships overall.
In 2010, Mercedes made a comeback to Formula One as a constructor after purchasing Brawn GP, the 2009 season's unexpected winner. In the first four years of their comeback, the team had trouble keeping up with Red Bull and Ferrari, but everything changed in 2014 when the hybrid era began. Mercedes created the most potent and effective engine in Formula One history, giving them a distinct edge over their competitors. From 2014 until 2021, the team won every single championship, breaking previous records for victories, pole positions, podium finishes, and points.
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Mercedes’ engine future
Despite rumors that Mercedes would switch to Renault or Honda engines in 2023, the company has affirmed that it will continue to utilize its own engines. The team has made significant investments in creating and enhancing its hybrid engine, which has been the foundation of its success in Formula 1. Additionally, the team and F1 have agreed to a new Concorde Agreement that guarantees their involvement in the sport through at least 2025.
Mercedes will be employing an improved version of their hybrid engine, which helped them win eight consecutive championships. This bodes well for Mercedes' engine future. In order to abide by the new rules and compete with their rivals, Mercedes will modify the engine in several technological ways. The team will also profit from having an engine supply that is steady and consistent, as well as from working closely with its client teams, Aston Martin and Williams.
Mercedes has revealed intentions to create a new power unit for the regulations governing the next generation of hybrid vehicles, which are anticipated to take effect in 2026. This bodes well for Mercedes' engine prospects in the future. The new power unit will use synthetic fuels or e-fuels instead of fossil fuels, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly than the present one. Mercedes has indicated that they aim to set the bar for innovation and technology in Formula One and support the environmental objectives of the sport.
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