Ross Brawn stays in Mercedes role – Niki Lauda

Published on 26/02/2013 04:29

NIKI Lauda yesterday confirmed Ross Brawn is to remain in his position as team principal of Mercedes, declaring there is “peace” within the team.

The announcement came on the day Tim Goss was appointed as McLaren’s new technical director to replace Paddy Lowe, who will join Mercedes at the end of the year.

Lowe’s move, although yet to be confirmed by Mercedes and likely to remain that way for now, ends fierce speculation as he has been linked with the team for the past few weeks.

That in turn, however, has placed Brawn’s position with the Brackley-based marque firmly in the spotlight, with suggestions he will leave when Lowe joins.

Lauda, the non-executive chairman of Mercedes Grand Prix Ltd, said: “I cannot officially say anything because nothing has happened yet. If Paddy Lowe is coming or not, I cannot tell you now. The situation is as it is. McLaren have put him (Lowe) on gardening leave, so let’s wait and see. To be clear, Ross has not even been discussed, which is an important thing.

“But there’s peace. Ross is in his position, he will stay in his position, so everything is under control, there is nothing to make out of this.”

For the remaining year of his contract with McLaren Lowe “will be performing a different role”, according to team principal Martin Whitmarsh.