Williams working on sealing 'new partnership' with Mercedes

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Williams hopes to secure a new engine deal with Mercedes from 2021, with deputy team principal Claire Williams revealing that productive talks are ongoing with the German manufacturer.

Recent speculation in the F1 paddock alluded to a potential change of engine supplier for the Grove-based outfit, with Williams rumored to be in advance talks with Renault.

Williams and Renault enjoyed a fruitful partnership in the past that yielded 64 wins and 5 Constructors' titles for the British outfit between 1992 and 1997, elevating Sir Frank's squad to the third most successful team in F1 behind Ferrari and McLaren.

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However, Claire Williams all but dismissed an alliance with its former partner, insisting that its talks with current supplier Mercedes were following a positive course.

"There’s a lot of speculation about Williams at the moment," admitted Williams.

"We’re talking to Mercedes as you probably expect. Those conversations are going well, and we hope to be able to conclude a new partnership with them going into 2021.

"They’ve been a fantastic partner of ours, they’ve been very supportive, everyone knows that Toto [Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal] started his Formula 1 career at Williams.

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"As such, we have a great relationship with him, and I would like that relationship to continue.

"I don’t know why people speculate around future or potential engine partners of ours, except to say maybe it’s a slow news week," she added.

"But there is. I know now what you’re going to write if I say this, but we’ve always had a great history with Renault, but our future is with Mercedes."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.