Grand Prix legend Ross Brawn considering retirement, says Niki Lauda

Ross Brawn

According to the Mirror, Ross Brawn, the man responsible for some of the greatest cars in F1 history is considering retirement at the end of this season.

Mercedes F1 chairman Niki Lauda admitted that the legendary designer’s future at the team is in the balance and its upto him whether he stays or not.

Lewis Hamilton on joining Mercedes pleaded with Brawn to stay and Mercedes agreed to former McLaren driver’s demand to remain as the technical No.1, despite the arrival of Paddy Lowe from McLaren.

Niki Lauda and Brawn had held talks at the conclusion of the Japanese Grand Prix and will hold talks at the end of the season as well. “It’s down to him now,” said Lauda. “I’d say it’s 50-50.

“We have had some small problems in the team in the past but everything is sorted now. It’s all agreed between him and Paddy and everyone else. He’s No.1. I have tried to persuade him to stay. I want him to stay. We will talk again at the end of the season.”

Leading Mercedes sources have told Mirror Sport that retirement is a possibility.

The rumors of Brawn’s departure from Mercedes to McLaren OR Red Bull were also put to rest on Saturday when McLaren added to his denial that he was never in talks with them.

He is considered to be one of the most prolific F1 designers of the current era, winning world championships with some of the greatest names of F1 circuit. Adrian Newey, the Red Bull’s master designer is the only one in the modern era close to his achievements.

Brawn cars have won more than 100 Grands Prix and 16 constructors and drivers world championships, including five years with Ferrari and Michael Schumacher after which he moved to Honda, bought the team, won the 2009 world title with Jenson Button and sold the operation to Mercedes, taking his fortune beyond £100million.