Williams will continue with Mercedes power until the end of 2025 after announcing a new long-term contract extension.

The Grove-based outfit first made the switch back in 2014 just as the German manufacturer became the dominant force in that area with the new V6 hybrid regulations.

Earlier this year, there had been murmurs of a possible return to Renault, with whom they won their last race back in 2012 and championship in 1997.

However, this new contract has now confirmed the intentions of both Williams and Mercedes going forward beyond 2021.

“We have enjoyed a wonderful partnership with Mercedes-Benz over the past six years of what was originally a seven-year agreement, and so we are delighted to be continuing working with them for a further five years from 2021," deputy team boss Claire Williams stated.

"Mercedes-Benz has been one of the sport’s most successful engine suppliers and we believe that they will continue to have an extremely competitive engine package going forward.

"Over our time with them, they have become a real friend of the team, and we look forward to working with Mercedes-AMG HPP in future.”

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It is well-known that in recent years, Williams has been struggling as they appear set to finish bottom of the Constructors' standings for the second straight year.

However, they have strongly rejected any suggestion of forging a Haas-Ferrari type relationship with Mercedes.

Even so, the German manufacturer is hopeful that their current partnership will continue to grow.

“Building long-term partnerships has been a key pillar of our approach to the hybrid era in Formula 1," Andy Cowell, the head of Mercedes' engine program said.

"Williams has been an exemplary partner since we began working together ahead of the 2014 season and we have enjoyed a number of highlights during those years.

"We have built strong human and technical relationships to the team in Grove and very much look forward to building on them in the years ahead.”

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, himself a former Williams investor, also has confidence that the team will come back stronger thanks in part to the upcoming 2021 regulations.

“Williams is one of the iconic brands in Formula 1 and we at Mercedes are proud to count them as part of our motorsport family," the Austrian stated.

"They have been through some tough times recently but that has only served to demonstrate their resilience and strength of character as they battle back to where they belong on the grid.

"I am certain that the outlook for independent teams is bright under the financial regulations that will be introduced from 2021 and we are delighted to continue our partnership with Williams into that new era of our sport.”