Williams Opt Against Using 2019 Mercedes Gearbox

Williams F1 has elected against using the Mercedes gearbox next year. This came on the back of discussions with the German manufacturer regarding a closer collaboration.

The Grove-based outfit have endured a difficult 2018 Formula 1 campaign. Now, they are looking for ways do things differently in the future to get back to the front.

One idea was to expand its partnership with Mercedes beyond just an engine supply, and use its gearbox as well.

Aside from cutting costs, this move would allow Williams to focus on performance improvements. Rivals, Haas and Sauber have adopted the same strategy with Ferrari. Meanwhile, Force India also takes its gearbox from Mercedes.

But in the wake of internal discussions at Williams and preliminary talks with Mercedes, the Grove-based outfit has now decided against the move.

Team principal Claire Williams said: “We are not taking the Mercedes gearbox. There is no increased collaboration outside of the engine deal.

“We talked about it and explored the opportunity with Mercedes. And it didn’t make sense for us for a number of reasons.”

This comes at a time when F1 is engaged in an intense debate about collaborations between teams. There are concerns that manufacturers will use smaller outfits to work for them to navigate around future budget cap restrictions.

“Of course we have evaluated whether we want to do something like that this year, but it didn’t work out for us for whatever reason right here and right now,” she added.

“That is not to say that we have closed the door on it completely. I would much rather the regulations changed to close the door on the whole thing completely.

“If it transpires that next year we may have to do something, then we may have to do something and it wouldn’t be the end of the world. It wouldn’t be ideal, but you have to adapt to the changing times, otherwise you become dinosaurs.”