Niki Lauda has said he is “very sad” about Ross Brawn’s decision to leave Mercedes but he is confident he will return to Formula 1 in the future.
Mercedes confirmed the news last week that Brawn was leaving the Brackley-based team, with Executive Directors Toto Wolff and Paddy Lowe sharing his Team Principal duties.
The 59-year-old has yet to reveal his next career move, but he has been linked with a number of high profile jobs. Former employers Ferrari and Williams are reportedly interested in his services, while there is also talk about a possible role at the FIA working under Jean Todt.
Brawn leaves Mercedes in a good position, with both Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton performing well and the new regulations set to suit them as they look to overcome Red Bull next season.
It is thought that Brawn will take some time away from the sport before deciding on his future, but Lauda expects him to return.
“I’m very sad about it because I wanted him to stay another year,”
Lauda was quoted as saying by Reuters.
“But he says he wants to go fishing. So I really tried hard but he stays a consultant to me which I think is very good and important. He says he wants a rest. So it’s very simple. I think he will not go in pension (retirement), this is clear.
“I think he will come back, I don’t know with the (governing) FIA or whatever he likes to do.”
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