Former Mercedes Team Principal Ross Brawn will not make a comeback to Formula 1 according to the Daily Telegraph.
Brawn, involved with team management for over 35 years, made the announcement at a fishing event in Scotland, confirming that the sabbatical he took after leaving Mercedes in December is in fact a permanent departure from the sport.
“What they didn’t realise when I was invited here was that they had a scoop because the world’s press was trying to find out if I was retiring or not,” the Briton told the newspaper.
“This is the busiest time of the year for Formula 1 and I said I would come along and open the River Dee. If they had put two and two together they would have realised I was definitely retiring.”
“It’s a fantastic honour to do the ceremonial opening of the River Dee. It’s a river I’ve never had a chance to fish before because it is predominantly known as a spring river and in the spring I’m normally trying to sort out an F1 car in Spain.
“So February, March and April are never good months for me to go fishing – but this year is different having stopped [F1].”
The 59-year-old is widely credited as a key figure behind Michael Schumacher’s seven world titles at Benetton and Ferrari. He also found success with his self-titled team in 2009, when Jenson Button won the World Drivers’ Championship.
He had been linked with roles at returning engine manufacturer Honda, the FIA, Williams and McLaren, the latter being a potential chance to team up with Ron Dennis after he returned to the team.
“I’m retiring – it’s not tongue in cheek,” Brawn asserted. “I’m going to take a year to enjoy the fishing and then see what life brings. I’m looking forward to it but I’ve got no other plans.” (Reuters)
Subbed by AJN.