Message Brawn to Ferrari: 'Right time to retire'

Ross Brawn is officially leaving Formula 1, the sporting director of the motorsport class announces in his column on Formula1.com. The Briton feels this is the right time to leave his duties to a successor and step down.

Brawn had successful years in the sport. Still, he was much loved in Formula 1. This week, for instance, rumours were circulating that Ferrari was thinking of bringing him in as Mattia Binotto's replacement, but so the team can forget about that.

"Now is the right time for me to retire," Brawn observes. "We have done the bulk of the work, and we are in a consolidation period now. There’s a new car coming in 2026, but that’s four years away, quite distant for me, so it’s better the next group of people take on that mantle. I believe I’m leaving F1 in a great place."

He looks back on his long career with a good feeling. "I’ve loved almost every minute of my 46-year career and I’ve been fortunate to have worked with many great teams, great drivers and great people. I wouldn’t have changed a thing."

In the coming years, Brawn wants to devote his time to other things. He is therefore making it clear that he no longer sees any point in working for a Formula 1 team. "I will now watch F1 from my sofa, cheering and cursing as an F1 fan," he said.