© Lotus F1 Team
Lotus has confirmed that they will cut ties with their long-time engine supplier Renault and switch over to Mercedes power for 2015. This was confirmed in a joint statement, where Lotus F1 CEO Matthew Carter said the following:
“We are pleased to have been chosen by Mercedes AMG High Performance Power trains in a significant long term deal. We intend to return to the front of the field with the goals of winning Grands Prix and being a strong championship contender once more and we see this new agreement as one step towards this aim. The Mercedes-Benz Power Unit has shown good performance on track and it is our goal to marry this motive force to Enstone’s chassis expertise.”
The Enstone based outfit has struggled so far this season, with only one driver scoring points on only two occasions, and lies 8th in the Constructors Championship with 8 points. The Renault powertrain proved early on to be at a lack of power, not only for Lotus, but also for Red Bull, hampering Lotus performance with select power unit failures.
“It is our desire that the E23 Hybrid, powered by Mercedes-Benz, heralds a new era of success for Enstone. At this juncture we would also like to thank Renault, who have been so closely associated with the team over its history and for the joint success we have achieved together.”
With Mercedes power in their cars for 2015 and beyond, Lotus will be looking to carve themselves back to the front, as chairman Gerard Lopez also blames poor design for their horrendous season.
“It was the mistake with the chassis that got us where we are now – and we definitely don’t want to make this mistake again. I am not saying that we will be fighting for the world championship next year, but we should go back to where we’ve been the previous two years.”
Lopez also confirmed earlier today that a new team principal will be in place for next season.
