Working with Bernie could be fun and interesting - Brawn

40

Former Ferrari and Mercedes mastermind, Ross Brawn has said that he would be open to working alongside Bernie Ecclestone at the helm of Formula 1.

In an interview with Sky SportsF1 scheduled to be aired this evening, Brawn acknowledged he had talks with the sport's new owners Liberty Media, as has been widely reported recently.

But the renowned engineer and strategist also confirmed that he had been approached by the US company on a consultancy basis with the purpose of helping Liberty better understand the intricacies of Grand Prix racing.

"I've been involved with a number of teams and had great fun and enjoyment, and I don't anticipate joining a team again," said Brawn in the Sky interview.

"But I would get pleasure from trying to help Formula 1 move forward.

With that in mind, Brawn said he was open to a managerial role with F1 in the future, perhaps in partnership with marketing guru Zak Brown who is expected to head Liberty's commercial team sometime in the future.

"It's a great sport, it's a challenging sport in terms of maintaining its place in entertainment and sport. I could certainly be attracted to a role in that capacity.

"But there are so many things that need to be resolved first. The one thing that Bernie is not is immortal, none of us are, and at some point he has to put his pen down.

"He's a very special person, he's created most of what we are dealing with today, and there will never be a replacement for Bernie. Actually working for Bernie may be a fun and interesting thing to do."

INTERVIEW: Fernando Alonso: Why F1 is no longer just for heroes

TECHNICAL: Under the skin of the Ferrari SF16-H

F1i Classic: Brazil 1991 - Senna's pain and glory

FEATURE: Foul Play or Foul Language

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.