Williams at the moment makes use of Mercedes PUs however has the choice to modify to a different accomplice when the brand new rules are available.
In concept, Mercedes may be obliged to half firm with one among its three clients as underneath the 2026 PU rules 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 might be accessible from Maranello.
Renault is thought to be in search of clients and is about to be the accomplice of the Andretti workforce ought to it get an entry, however even when that occurs Viry might additionally provide a 3rd workforce.
Probably the most intriguing choice stays Honda. The Japanese firm has declared its curiosity in collaborating in 2026, however with Crimson Bull creating its personal Ford-backed PU for each of its groups, Honda now has to search for a brand new accomplice.
McLaren and Williams are apparent candidates, though clearly there are political issues to be addressed concerning a reunion with the previous given the Woking workforce’s acrimonious cut up with Honda on the finish of 2017.
Williams in the meantime should present indicators of a possible long-term enchancment in kind as a way to entice Honda.
Alex Albon, Williams FW45
Photograph by: Williams F1
“We’re in the mean time nonetheless within the course of of creating positive we perceive all of the choices accessible to this workforce,” 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 at the moment 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 now we have to, as all groups will do as effectively, make a decision pretty shortly. I believe finish of the yr could be late. So just a little bit earlier than then.”
Vowles downplayed the importance of his Mercedes connections: “As you’ll think about, it might be silly to easily simply go along with the place I am snug and what I do know.
“If you are going to get your own home painted, you get three quotes, I’d extremely advocate you try this if you happen to do not. And it is the identical right here, I need to be sure I perceive what’s accessible to us.”