Mercedes: Ross Brawn on the way out?
The future of Ross Brawn at the helm of the Mercedes team seems to have darkened after the failure of negotiations, according to the BBC.
The information comes from our very reliable British colleagues at the BBC: Ross Brawn, the director of the Mercedes team since 2010 and the brand’s return to F1, is reportedly set to leave as negotiations concerning his future have failed.
Andrew Benson, who is the head of the F1 section at the BBC, and Eddie Jordan, the former team manager of Jordan Grand Prix, co-sign the article in question stating that a source close to the matter confirmed that Mercedes executives, led by Toto Wolff and Niki Lauda, executive and non-executive directors, have tested the patience of the former technical director of Scuderia Ferrari by not offering him a position that fully satisfies him.
If this information is confirmed – while neither party has chosen to react for the moment – it would be the logical continuation of the intention expressed by Mercedes earlier in the year to make room for Paddy Lowe, who had just arrived from McLaren. An initial decision that, as the BBC recalls, ultimately clashed with Niki Lauda’s desire to retain Brawn. Brawn, moreover, had recently expressed his desire not to leave Mercedes, provided he was given a comprehensive global role. On the contrary, Mercedes seems to wish to modify the traditional concept of an F1 team by not limiting itself to a single team principal.
Finally, the question arises about the future of the man who led Michael Schumacher to seven world titles with Benetton and Ferrari and Jenson Button to one with Brawn GP. Rumors suggested a possible return to Honda through the McLaren team, in view of the partnership that will tie the Woking team to the Japanese manufacturer for engine supply starting in 2015. However, this prospect remains very uncertain, as Ross Brawn may not only have good memories of his time leading the Japanese team.
