Monday 16th November 2009

Mercedes Buys Out Brawn GP

F1 world champions sell controlling stake to Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes is set to buy a controlling interest in Formula One constructors' and drivers' champions Brawn GP, which has used Mercedes-supplied engines this year.

The German car maker will take a 75 per cent stake in the Brawn GP squad, but will continue as an engine supplier to McLaren - in which it holds a 40 per cent stake - for the foreseeable future.

The CEO of Mercedes, Dieter Zetzche, and motorsport boss, Norbert Haug, are expected to reveal details of the deal in a press conference later today (Monday 16th November) - including what the company plans to do with its 40 per cent shareholding in McLaren.

McLaren buys itself back from Mercedes

According to the BBC, the new Brawn-Mercedes driver line-up is expected to consist of Nico Rosberg as the lead driver with Nick Heidfeld in the second seat. Ross Brawn is expected to remain as team principal.

World champion Jenson Button is expected to jump ship to McLaren to Partner Lewis Hamilton. Button had been angling for a pay rise over his current £3.5m Brawn GP salary, but Mercedes is said to have no interest in retaining his services at Brawn.

McLaren is rumoured to have offered Button around double what he was on at Brawn, although paddock gossip suggests that McLaren's 2010 contender will actually be more competitive than the 2010 Brawn, too.

[PhantomPH]

I read something earlier that suggested Mercedes has sold it's full share at McLaren and was renaming Brawn as Mercedes GP.

ETA : http://www.f1times.co.uk/mercedes-confirm-brawn-bu...

Edited by PhantomPH on Monday 16th November 12:24

[threespires]

Isn't it Silver Arrows ?

[Dr Imran T]

MSTRBKR said:

Damn.

I can see Button without a drive at this rate.

Edited by MSTRBKR on Monday 16th November 12:26

I doubt that very much. He will get a seat somewhere - I am suprised that the current world champion is so undervalued though!

[Man-At-Arms]

so what happens to McLaren,
do they become the 2nd team ?

(or do they go back to making pushchairs ?)

[spoonoff]

Brawn: one hit wonders then?
What do we think?

[Snoggledog]

Button & Hamilton in the same team? Could make for some interesting calls from Ron Dennis.

[Tony*T3]

Confused? You will be.....



Brawn GP is now called Mercedes GP.

Button has left the team, likely to join Mclaren Mercedes.

Which team will be raigning champions next season?

[P7ULG]

spoonoff said:

Brawn: one hit wonders then?
What do we think?

A very disappointing turn of events. I think Button owes Brawn big time.

[LordGrover]

MSTRBKR said:

Having said that, if he does end up at McLaren, what a fantastic head to head between Britain and Germany it will be next season with 2 British drivers in the British team, and 2 German drivers in the German team.

The German team being in GB with Brit Ross Brawn leading.

[Man-At-Arms]

Tony*T3 said:

Confused? You will be.....



Brawn GP is now called Mercedes GP.

ok, so who bought a Brawn GP cap or shirt this year then ? ?

[Mr E]

P7ULG said:

I think Button owes Brawn big time.

Indeed. They don't exist anymore though. And to be honest, he owes Honda...

[JRM]

P7ULG said:

spoonoff said:

Brawn: one hit wonders then?
What do we think?

A very disappointing turn of events. I think Button owes Brawn big time.

It sounds more like he was pushed than decided to leave, who knows what goes on beneath the covers, his interest in Mc might just have been vbecause he knew this was coming and that Merc didn't want a British driver?

[elster]

I guess all Brawn and Co were doing this year was trying to build a brand to sell at the first opportunity.

I would of liked to see more racing teams and less manufacturer involvement, as they usually fk things up.

I guess I hope that the German drivers in the Mercedes team have a bad year really.

[aarondrs]

Mr E said:

P7ULG said:

I think Button owes Brawn big time.

Indeed. They don't exist anymore though. And to be honest, he owes Honda...

I think (both the team and Ross) Brawn owes Jensen and Jensen could be forgiven for feeling a little p'd off for being sidelined after sticking with them and then not being offered a better deal (and a deal that I think he deserves).

[wab172uk]

I think the way Button is being treated is shamefull. They signed Rosberg on a contract that stopped any team mate earning more than him. So when he was signed, Buttons future had already been decided. Some way to thank the guy who cave the team their World Championship.

Ross Brawn has sold out. I for one won't be supporting him or his team anymore.

[jazzyjeff]

Man-At-Arms said:

(or do they go back to making pushchairs ?)

That would be MAClaren

Why would they be the 2nd team? Mercedes will just have less control over them (a good thing IMHO).

I'd be more concerned about where Force India will be getting their engines from next year...

JJ

[stuttgartmetal]

Ross Brawn continues to amaze me.
What an exit strategy.
Not only has he secured an historic World Championship, he's probably filling his bath with £50 notes from the Merc pay off.
Well done Ross, top quality move.
As always.

[Dodgey_Rog]

It seems Mclaren will keep using Mercedes engines until 2015 at the moment, possibly longer. They're due to finish their buyout of the 40% Mercedes shareholding by 2011.

Just leaves Button on the fence as to who will meet his demand for salary, its looking more like Mclaren now as Mercedes want an all German driver line up.

[FNG]

elster said:

I guess all Brawn and Co were doing this year was trying to build a brand to sell at the first opportunity.

I would of liked to see more racing teams and less manufacturer involvement, as they usually fk things up.

I guess I hope that the German drivers in the Mercedes team have a bad year really.

wab172uk said:

I think the way Button is being treated is shamefull. They signed Rosberg on a contract that stopped any team mate earning more than him. So when he was signed, Buttons future had already been decided. Some way to thank the guy who cave the team their World Championship.

Ross Brawn has sold out. I for one won't be supporting him or his team anymore.

Agree with both of these.

I know F1 is the pirhana club but this is, to me, a very good reason not to wish Brawn / Mercedes well.

[Wanta996Gotta]

stuttgartmetal said:

Ross Brawn continues to amaze me.
What an exit strategy.
Not only has he secured an historic World Championship, he's probably filling his bath with £50 notes from the Merc pay off.
Well done Ross, top quality move.
As always.

I agree, now talk Michael Schumacher out of retirement.

Edited by Wanta996Gotta on Monday 16th November 12:49