The German car maker announced it will take full control of Brawn GP in the upcoming year – 75.1 percent buyout – and turn the Brackley based team into a factory outfit with the name of Mercedes GP – while also extending its engine supplier deal with McLaren until 2015. In addition, the Stuttgart based manufacturer will sell back its 40 percent share in McLaren Team by the end of 2011.
According to Dennis – chairman of McLaren Automotive and a founding shareholder in the McLaren Group – this situation does nothing but to benefit both sides, as it will increase McLaren's independence in Formula One. That being said, it's likely that Dennis will return to action in the series, now that McLaren Automotive will have their own independent team in the Great Circle.
“This is a win-win situation, for both McLaren and Daimler. I've often stated that it's my belief that, in order to survive and thrive in 21st-century Formula 1, a team must become much more than merely a team,” said Dennis.
“That being the case, in order to develop and sustain the revenue streams required to compete and win grands prix and world championships, companies that run Formula 1 teams must broaden the scope of their commercial activities.”
“Nonetheless, all of our partners will of course continue to play a crucial role in our Formula 1 programme. For that reason, and because the engines they produce are very competitive, we're delighted that Mercedes-Benz has committed to continue not only as an engine supplier but also as a partner of ours until 2015 – and perhaps thereafter,” added the Brit.
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