27/09/2012
NEWS STORY
As speculation over its 2013 driver line-up continues to dominate the headlines, Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn says he is hoping the situation will be settled in the coming weeks... or months.
Whilst one section of the media continues to focus on Lewis Hamilton, another ponders the question of Michael Schumacher. Linked with Mercedes for some weeks now, it is presumed that the Englishman would join the Brackley outfit - if indeed he does so - at the expense of the German legend.
A needless mistake in Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix combined with cryptic comments previously made by Bernie Ecclestone, and then retracted, lend weight to the theory that Schumacher is looking to retire (again) at the end of the season. In the eyes of that certain section of the media thereby leaving the door open for Hamilton.
However, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, Brawn, who has seen Schumacher through all of his seven title winning seasons, insists the situation is not clear cut.
Admitting that his team faces a "difficult decision" in terms of Schumacher, Brawn says that ultimately the German driver will decide for himself. However, there are factions within Mercedes who want the veteran to stand aside for the McLaren star.
"Obviously he's very involved in that decision, and discussions are ongoing at the moment," said Brawn. "Michael has been a huge asset to the team, he's really taken us forward. I do think Michael contributes an awful lot."
Asked about Hamilton, the Englishman said: "I think any ambitious team looks at the top drivers and we're an ambitious team. But I think there's an awful lot of speculation."
Asked if he would like the 2008 champion on board, Brawn would only admit: "He's a very good driver. A very good driver.
"I think we will have something to say in the next few weeks or months," he added. "Then all will become clear."
This season has undoubtedly been his best since his return to F1, Schumacher out-qualifying his German teammate 8-6. However, ignoring mistakes such as Sunday's, poor reliability means the veteran trails Rosberg by 50 points.