Williams presently makes use of Mercedes PUs however has the choice to change to a different companion when the brand new laws are available in.
In concept, Mercedes is likely to be obliged to half firm with one in every of its three clients as below the 2026 PU laws a producer can solely provide three groups, together with its personal works outfit, “except agreed in any other case by the FIA.”
Ferrari will lose Sauber to Audi in 2026 and thus an additional provide will probably be out there from Maranello.
Renault is understood to be in search of clients and is ready to be the companion of the Andretti group ought to it get an entry, however even when that occurs Viry may additionally provide a 3rd group.
Essentially the most intriguing possibility stays Honda. The Japanese firm has declared its curiosity in collaborating in 2026, however with Purple Bull growing its personal Ford-backed PU for each of its groups, Honda now has to search for a brand new companion.
McLaren and Williams are apparent candidates, though clearly there are political issues to be addressed concerning a reunion with the previous given the Woking group’s acrimonious break up with Honda on the finish of 2017.
Williams in the meantime must present indicators of a possible long-term enchancment in type as a way to appeal to Honda.
Alex Albon, Williams FW45
Photograph by: Williams F1
“We’re in the meanwhile nonetheless within the course of of creating certain we perceive all of the choices out there to this group,” mentioned Vowles.
“The foundations include some traces which state that theoretically as taken in 2025 that is the variety of groups a PU producer can provide. Identical guidelines, by the best way, that ought to have restricted [Mercedes] this yr all the way down to much less PU provides than they presently have.
“I believe that is an ongoing dialogue. However no, we’re not locked into Mercedes. And we’re nonetheless within the strategy of reviewing.
“However we have now to, as all groups will do as properly, make a decision pretty shortly. I believe finish of the yr can be late. So slightly bit earlier than then.”
Vowles downplayed the importance of his Mercedes connections: “As you’d think about, it could be silly to easily simply go together with the place I am comfy and what I do know.
“If you are going to get your home painted, you get three quotes, I might extremely advocate you do this for those who do not. And it is the identical right here, I need to be certain that I perceive what’s out there to us.”
