While Mercedes-Benz is a name quite familiar to any Formula 1 fan, largely due to the McLaren Mercedes team, not many people know that in recent times, the German carmaker didn’t have its own team, as it is just partners with McLaren, supplying the engine for its cars.
But seeing as how another team which used Mercedes engines, Brawn GP, became quite successful, an announcement was made today by the boss of the company, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, that the German company now owns 75% of Brawn GP stocks and is the new owner of the current constructors champion of Formula 1.
“Mercedes will compete in the F1 world championship next year starting with its own factory team,” said Zetsche. “This is possible by the agreed acquisition of 75.1 per cent of Brawn GP, 45.1 per cent from Daimler and 30 per cent from our partner Aabar Investments. The rest will be with the current share – Ross Brawn, Nick Fry and other members. The interests of Daimler are aligned therefore it will be a true Mercedes-Benz team.”
Ross Brawn will be kept as the manager of the team, and it is expected for the current F1 champion, Jensen Button, to continue his agreement with the team. It is also rumored that Nico Rosberg will be signing with Brawn GP at the beginning of 2010. The German company also revealed that it will satisfy its agreement with McLaren, to provide engines until 2015, and that it will sell its remaining stocks (40%) in the UK-based team until 2011.
Do you think Mercedes-Benz made the right move? Leave a comment to the article with your view.
Source: AutoEvolution
