Ineos: F1 champions Mercedes join up with cycling and sailing teams in new collaboration

The partnership will be channelled through Mercedes-Benz Applied Science and will see the teams work together to develop innovations in areas such as engineering, human science, simulation and data analysis

Mercedes's science centre will lead the new cross-sport collaboration (AP)

Mercedes Motorsport have formed a new partnership with Team Ineos’ cycling and sailing teams which is hoped will help push all of their performance levels higher.

The Formula One World Constructors’ Championship winners, with Lewis Hamilton as lead driver, will work alongside Team Ineos’ successful Tour de France team and their sailing division, which has sights set on winning the America’s Cup.

The partnership will be channelled through Mercedes-Benz Applied Science and will see the teams work together to develop and implement innovations in areas such as engineering, human science, simulation and data analysis.

A press release for Wednesday’s announcement read: “The collaboration is founded on three core principles – a shared belief that no limits should be placed on what is possible in human performance; a desire for the technical excellence and winning cultures of each team to be shared so all three partners benefit; and a belief that the best technical support enables great athletes to create the greatest racing moments.”

Mercedes team principal and chief executive officer Toto Wolff said: “The technological demands of Formula 1 mean we are well-placed to support with advanced technical challenges in specific areas of sailing and cycling, with a particular focus on aerodynamics and the manufacturing capability around key components.

“When Sir Jim Ratcliffe approached us with the concept of bringing together the three organisations, all with proven track records of excellence and high ambitions for the future, we immediately saw the opportunity to grow and diversify our business – and to learn from some of the most successful teams in world sport. We are very excited about this agreement’s potential in the months and years ahead.”

Team Ineos team principal Sir Dave Brailsford is looking forward to the partnership, with Mercedes having delivered a their sixth consecutive World Championship in 2019.

“At the very heart of these three great teams lies a shared passion for racing, for winning and creating great sporting moments,” he said. “Our unrelenting determination to drive, sail and pedal faster and outwit the ever-improving competition will benefit hugely from this partnership.

“We can cross-pollinate our collective knowledge in science, technology, human performance and racing strategy to create even stronger winning environments. We can’t wait to get started and be greater together.”

Sir Ben Ainslie, team principal and skipper of Ineos Team UK added: “It’s a fascinating mixture of pushing the boundaries of technical innovation alongside sporting prowess.

“We look forward to a strong collaboration as we work together to get the (America’s) Cup back to British waters.”

PA