McLaren will reunite with Mercedes-Benz for 2021 F1 season

Both McLaren Racing and Mercedes-Benz have a long shared history together in Formula 1. The two were previously partners for around 14 years starting from 1995 up until 2014. However, McLaren ended their partnership with Mercedes in 2014 and switched to Honda power units.

During that era, the McLaren F1 team managed to secure a few driver's titles and even a constructor's title. On top of that, they also had numerous wins under their belt. Outside of Formula 1, the two also collaborated on a road-going vehicle – the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.

Soon, the iconic McLaren and Mercedes duo will return. The two have announced that the McLaren F1 team will be switching back to Mercedes power units starting in 2021. It won't be a short term deal either. The team from Woking announced they will be using Mercedes power units until 2024 as part of a long-term agreement.

“This agreement is an important step in our long-term plan to return to success in Formula 1. Mercedes is the benchmark, both as a team and a power unit, so it is natural we would seek to secure a relationship with the company for the next phase of our journey. This announcement reflects the confidence of our shareholders and is an important message to our investors, employees, partners and fans that we are committed to returning McLaren to the front of the field,” said Zak Brown, Mclaren CEO.

If you have been following Formula 1 these past few seasons, you might have noticed that the bright orange McLarens are usually seen towards the back half of the grid. Simply put, they have not been as successful with their current power-unit providers as they were before with Mercedes. With a new power unit supplier in 2021, McLaren hopes to be able to return to success in Formula 1.

“We are delighted to welcome McLaren back to the Mercedes-Benz racing family with this new power unit supply agreement. Although the two brands share a prestigious history, this new agreement is all about looking to the future and beginning a new era of power unit supply for the years ahead. We hope that this new long-term agreement marks another milestone for McLaren as they aim to take the fight to the sport’s top teams, including our Mercedes works team,” said Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport.