While the Force India team has been acquiring engines from Mercedes-Benz since 2009, it is with the signing of this agreement that in addition to the engine, Mercedes-Benz will also provide gearbox and hydraulic systems. The term complete Power Unit in the contract includes the Internal Combustion Engine as well as the Energy Recovery System.
Under the new regulations for 2014, the engine will be a 1.6 turbocharged V6 powerplant.
Dr Vijay Mallya, Team Principal and Managing Director of Sahara Force India said “Our new agreement with Mercedes-Benz for the coming years is the most significant in the history of Sahara Force India. With new powertrain regulations being introduced next year, I can’t think of a better partner to work with as Formula One enters a new and exciting era. The agreement gives us the long-term stability we require and will enable us to continue our journey towards the front of the Formula One grid.”
Toto Wolf, Executive Director of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS: “It is a significant milestone to announce our first long-term agreement for powertrain supply under the 2014 regulations. Sahara Force India was our first genuine customer in Formula One back in 2009 and we are delighted to enter an expanded, long-term relationship with them from 2014 onwards. This long-term agreement offers excellent value in terms of the balance between price and performance. We hope it will mean Mercedes-Benz and Sahara Force India working together for the entire life cycle of the new powertrain generation.”