Formula 1: Mercedes buys Brawn
16th November, 2009
Mercedes has been watching Brawn very closely and after the immense success it had this year with Jenson button taking the title, they have now decided that it would be most beneficial for them to take over Brawn in an attempt to increase their strength and power in the competition.
It is rumoured that Mercedes has brought a controlling interest of 75% in Brawn and will reel back their 40% stake that they currently hold in McClaren as their contract runs out before the end of 2011, but will remain under the McLaren name right up until 2015. It has also been suggested that Mercedes will continue to supply McClaren with their engines until at least 2015.
However, this still means that they have an increased input and a huge amount of control, although it is reported that Ross Brawn will stay at the company continuing to act as team principle.
Despite Button sacrificing his salary last year with the interest of Brawn’s success at the forefront of his mind, it looks as though the new Brawn/Mercedes, that will be rebranded under the Mercedes name by next year’s GP, don’t want to increase it forcing Button to search elsewhere with McClaren paying an increased interest in the world champion.
It is rumoured that on Friday his manager visited McLaren regarding salary and it is believed that they are offering double what Brawn GP was willing to pay, making his salary over £6 million.
Button stressed that the decision to move is not a result of money but more that he wants to continue his success, and seeing how far Lewis Hamilton has come he believes that McClaren have a more competitive car to offer him to help him pursue his dreams.
If Button confirms his choice, it could mean that we will see this year’s champion driver racing with last year’s champion driver and a team made up of Jenson button and Lewis Hamilton is a likely pair to race to the top again stealing the competition away from rivals!
By Michael
