Berlin: Mercedes today bought a controlling
stake in Formula One world champions Brawn GP in a move which
is likely to see Jenson Button join McLaren next season.
The German car giant, which has taken a 75 percent stake
in Ross Brawn's team, will be rebranded Mercedes GP, the
company's boss Dieter Zetsche announced.
Team principal Ross Brawn, who took over the outfit after
former owners Honda quit the sport at the end of 2008, is
expected to remain in his role.
However, the future of his drivers is uncertain.
The new outfit are expected to plump for Nico Rosberg as
their number one driver - a move that would be popular in
Germany - with his countryman Nick Heidfeld his likely
partner.
Neither driver has been confirmed although Mercedes
Sports boss Norbert Haug yesterday revealed he was attempting
to secure Heidfeld, who has driven for BMW since 2006.
"We are speaking with Nick Heidfeld as well," Haug said.
"Mercedes-Benz supports the idea of signing an
experienced and capable German driver. There is however no
reason to finalise the driver situation too hastily."
Newly crowned drivers champion Button, who visited
McLaren's headquarters last Friday, is widely tipped to sign
for the British team to drive alongside 2008 champion Lewis
Hamilton next year.
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, November 16, 2009, 21:44