Button: Brawn exit would help rivals

The rest of the Formula One field would benefit if Ross Brawn’s departure from Mercedes goes ahead, according to 2009 world champion Jenson Button.

There have been rumours throughout the 2013 season that it would be Brawn’s final year with the German manufacturer with the arrival of Paddy Lowe from McLaren earlier in the campaign seemingly stoking those suggestions.

Mercedes declined to comment on a BBC report that claimed Brawn would leave after the season finale in Brazil but the team’s non-executive chairman Niki Lauda, as well as driver Lewis Hamilton, have said they would like to continue their association with the Briton.

Brawn, 58, has had a long history of success in Formula One, winning eight constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ crowns during his time in major roles at Benetton, Ferrari and Brawn GP.

The last of those titles came in 2009 with his eponymous team as Button took the drivers’ title and the team won the constructors’ equivalent.

That was the last time a team other than Red Bull won either championship and Button, who left Brawn GP to join McLaren for the 2010 season, feels the other teams in Formula One would be at an advantage if Mercedes let Brawn leave.

“It would be a loss to the team he was working for,” Button said when asked if the sport would suffer without Brawn.

“It is not a loss for the rest of us, it is actually a good thing. Ross is a great team leader and he is very strong. He is a very confident individual and I think everyone needs someone like Ross in their team.

“I’m surprised to see he is leaving although I’m sure there are reasons for that but it is difficult to think what they are.”

Button’s former McLaren team-mate Hamilton has impressed behind the wheel in his first season at Mercedes and had previously stated his wish for Mercedes to retain Brawn’s services.

He said: ”Ross is a great boss and I’m enjoying working alongside him. I don’t know what his plans are for the future, but of course I’d like him to stay.“

Fellow Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg was tighter-lipped when asked about the ongoing situation ahead of this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The German, who has won twice in 2013, admitted he has enjoyed his time working with Brawn but that he trusted any decision would be made in the interests of the team.

“The discussions are ongoing so I don’t want to speculate,” he said.

“Let’s just see how it goes. It has been great to work with Ross up until now. Nobody knows [what will happen]. We have a lot of depth in the team now which he have built up over the years.

“I trust the leadership in our team and they are going to make sure our future is looking good. It has been a great experience to work with Ross, his leadership qualities I respect and the way he goes about things and manages people, there is a reason why he has had so much success.”