Lewis Hamilton has hailed Ross Brawn as “a great leader” who he feels has laid the foundations for a successful tilt at next year’s Formula One world title.
After months of speculation regarding his position as team principal at Mercedes that first surfaced in January, the team have confirmed Brawn is to step down from the role at the end of next month.
Brawn believes “the timing is right”, even though he has overseen a recruitment drive which has resulted in Mercedes arguably possessing the most-accomplished backroom of technical staff.
Given Brawn has also been calling the shots on the development of the 2014 power-trains for the last 18 months, as 1.6-litre V6 turbo units replace the 2.4-litre V8s in the most radical shake-up of the sport for years, his remark does not sit with the situation.
The problem is, as Brawn remarked 10 months ago when speculation was first aired about his position, Mercedes were unwilling to allow him to be the “one reference” as he claimed to be and demanded.
Instead, Mercedes first recruited Toto Wolff as executive director (business), and then Paddy Lowe as executive director (technical), and it is they who will form a tandem leadership, with non-executive chairman Niki Lauda in the background.
In January, just weeks after leaving McLaren after 14 years, Hamilton stated he had been given assurances by Brawn the latter’s commitment was “for the long term and he is here to try to win with me”.
Ten months on and Hamilton, without a world title since 2008, is now without one of the most successful men in F1’s history as Brawn has played a part in 16 world championship successes eight drivers’ and eight constructors’ crowns.
Despite that, and via his Twitter account, Hamilton said: “Massive thanks to Ross Brawn. He’s been a great leader and teacher for me. Ross has built the foundations for us to succeed in 2014! £Legend.
“Toto and Paddy are fantastic guys and strong leaders for the team. I’ve started my training already and can’t wait for 2014!”
Team-mate Nico Rosberg echoed Hamilton’s comments with regard to the leadership skills of Brawn, tweeting: “Was a great experience to work with Ross.
“He is a great leader & we shared special times like my first win (in China 2012) and monaco win (this year).
“Our ambition is to be leading next year. Now on we go flat out with Paddy and Toto! starting with seat fit & 2014 simulator 2morrow.”