Lotus on Thursday confirmed they will switch from Renault to Mercedes for their engine suppliers next season.

The announcement ensures Mercedes will continue to supply three customer teams in Formula One as Lotus join Force India and Williams as a Mercedes-powered team.

McLaren, currently supplied by Mercedes, will switch to Honda next year.

“We are pleased to have been chosen by Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in a significant long term deal,” said Lotus chief executive Matthew Carter.

“We intend to return to the front of the field with the goals of winning Grands Prix and being a strong championship contender once more.”

Lotus are currently eighth in the constructors standings with eight points.