Brawn admits Mercedes’ interest in Hamilton

Ross Brawn on Thursday hinted Mercedes is still in the running to poach Lewis Hamilton from McLaren for 2013.

Asked on BBC radio if he would like the 2008 world champion on board next year, Mercedes team boss Brawn answered: "He’s a very good driver. A very good driver.

"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."

Much of that speculation is about whether Hamilton joining Nico Rosberg at Mercedes would push the great Michael Schumacher back into retirement.

Brawn, who is very close to the seven time world champion after all their past successes at Benetton and Ferrari, admitted it is proving a "difficult decision".

"Obviously he’s very involved in that decision, and discussions are ongoing at the moment," said the Briton.

"Michael has been a huge asset to the team, he’s really taken us forward. I do think Michael contributes an awful lot," added Brawn.