Mercedes takeover of Brawn: what's the fall-out?

 

Neil Gardner

Mercedes have confirmed today that they have completed a takeover of Brawn GP after buying a 75.1 per cent stake in the British team in a move that could see Jenson Button join Lewis Hamilton at McLaren.

While the prospect of two British world champions forming a 'dream team' at McLaren is enticing, it would also represent something of a PR disaster for Brawn to lose their star driver so soon after winning his maiden championship. The 29-year-old took a £5 million pay cut to drive for Brawn but expected recognition of his loyalty to be reflected in his pay packet next season and will probably more than double his salary to £8 million at McLaren.

But would it be the right move for Button, who could be on a hiding to nothing going up against Hamilton, who is desperate to regain his status as the world's best? Who would be the more likely driver to succeed when going head-to-head in the same car? And would you expect Button to be treated as an equal to Hamilton, who has been nutured by the team since childhood?

Also, how do you see the rival teams developing? Will Mercedes be title contenders in their first season, with Ross Brawn's technical know-how allied to real financial muscle? Are we about to witness the emergence of another superpower in Formula One? This move must surely leave McLaren weakened.

Let us know your thoughts.