The rumor has been out there for some time but it's now gathering steam: McLaren is on the verge of announcing a switch from Renault to Mercedes power for 2021!
Over the summer, F1 pundit and Channel 4 contributor Eddie Jordan suggested that McLaren would revive in the future its relationship with Mercedes, with whom the Woking-based outfit enjoyed a great period of success.
But the paddock in Sochi is buzzing with the rumor that McLaren is about to announce its migration from Renault to Mercedes power - and the move is a certainty according to veteran and well-informed F1 reporter Joe Saward.
McLaren switched to Renault power for 2018 after a costly split with Honda. But many believe the papaya squad's future with the French manufacturer would be capped by its customer status and the ambition of Renault's own works effort.
McLaren's previous partnership with Mercedes started in 1995 and lasted until 2014, and yielded drivers' titles for Mika Hakkinen and Lewis Hamilton.
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As McLaren still has a year left on its current contract with Renault, its association with Mercedes - whose power unit has been the indisputable standard since the advent of the hybrid era in 2014 - will take effect in 2021 when the sport ushers in its new regulation platform
It's unknown however how the partnership would impact the German constructor's supply deal with Racing Point given that Williams recently extended its engine deal with Mercedes until 2025.
Any supply deal by a manufacturer for three customer teams - in addition to its own works team - requires the formal approval of the FIA.
And if Mercedes does ends up with three customer outfits, its political clout in F1 would certainly strengthen significantly.
Stay tuned…
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