Official: Lotus F1 powered by Mercedes in 2015
What was nothing more than an open secret has been confirmed in Sochi: Lotus F1 Team will be equipped with a Mercedes hybrid engine starting from 2015.
The announcement was first made official by Mercedes, which welcomed Lotus into the German engine manufacturer’s family, a well-established family that in 2015 will include Mercedes, Williams, Force India, and Lotus, thus ending its historic partnership with Renault, which has lasted, including the Playlife period (Enstone then using rebadged Renault engines), for 20 years.
Mercedes indicates that Lotus will now work with Petronas regarding engine oils and fluids. The Malaysian company has been Mercedes’ historical partner since their return to Formula 1 as a manufacturer.
At the same time, the brand’s statement reveals that the next Enstone car will be named Lotus E23 Hybrid. The mention of the type of technology used appeared this season on the side of Mercedes only, at the Spanish Grand Prix.
More information to follow…
