PDA

View Full Version : Lotus F1 Team Considering Switch To Mercedes Power In 2015



bigbadbrother
06-25-2014, 02:54 AM
Adam Cooper

Lotus could be set to switch from Renault to Mercedes power in 2015, well-placed sources have confirmed.

Inevitably there has been some tension between Renault and Lotus this season. Lotus has been late with payments to the French manufacturer over the past couple of seasons, while the reliability and performance problems associated with the power unit have proved frustrating to the team.

Although the Enstone operation has an association with Renault dating back to the Benetton days of 1995, a fresh start with Mercedes would have obvious appeal. It would also go some way to guaranteeing an improvement in form, which would encourage sponsors – including those of Pastor Maldonado – to stay loyal.

Mercedes meanwhile will have the capacity to supply another team following the departure of McLaren to Honda next season. However, Stuttgart will no doubt demand suitable financial guarantees from Lotus. There is also the question of whether the Lotus and Mercedes names are compatible from a marketing point of view.