Mercedes confirms its customers for 2017
Formula 1 engine manufacturer Mercedes confirmed its intention to continue supplying the teams - Manor, Williams and Force India - in the following year as well. The other manufacturer are yet to announce their customers.
FIA agreed with the current F1 teams over a new engine regulation earlier this year. The new agreemeant involves clauses which guarantees that no team can be left without an engine contract as it was almost the case with Red Bull last year.
The regulation also requires the engine manufacturer to confirm its customers long before the start of the season. This deadline was May 15 for 2017.
Autosport has learned that the German manufacturer's customer line-up will remain unchanged for the next year's campaign.
Red Bull is poised to stay with Renault after the pair seemingly managed to resolve their relationship which seemed to be completely broken last autumn.
The intention of Toro Rosso, however, is still unclear as the Faenza-based team opted for a unique solution by having agreed with Ferrari over 2015-spec engine for this year. The regulation now allows to use engines from the previous year so it is possible for the Red Bull junior team to get this year's Ferrari power unit for 2017.
Ferrari is yet to announce its deals. The Italian brand has a long-term contract with Haas, but Sauber is in doubt amid its current serious financial struggles.
Honda would be able to supply other teams, but McLaren supremo Ron Dennis declared earlier this weekend that he does want an exclusive relationship between Honda and McLaren at least until their first title. A special case has been written in the 2017-2020 engine agreement to allow such single team supply by Honda as being the newest engine supplier.
