Mercedes 'close' to engine development

Mercedes engine boss Andy Cowell has confirmed that the Silver Arrows are making strides towards manufacturing an engine power unit capable of 1000bhp outfit as they go into the 2018 season looking to defend their world championship from this past campaign which was their fourth on the bounce.

2017 was another excellent season for Mercedes as they claimed not only the team championship but also the driver's championship via Lewis Hamilton. The turbo hybrid engine era has belonged to the Silver Arrows, even with the aerodynamic chassis changes implemented from the start of 2017.

Several figures from Mercedes have described last season's car as a 'diva' even though they won both championships, but Cowell has revealed then they are close to huge engine developments for 2018.

"We're close," Cowell told Motorsport.com.

"I'm sure that'll happen at some point. It's an answer for the early part of the next year.

"We need to see how the power unit development goes through the winter and our prove-out goes through the winter, and it's a balance with the car as well. There are engines running on the dyno – that's one thing.

"When you go to total car lap time, that's the bit where there's work being done to improve the technology on the car to enhance both aerodynamic and power unit performance.

"Let's see how it all works out."

Mercedes will retain the services of both Valtteri Bottas and Hamilton for next season, with contract negotiations ongoing to keep the duo beyond 2018.