Lauda insists Brawn’s top job not endangered

Niki Lauda has now started his new job at Mercedes, insisting his presence does not endanger the Brackley based team’s current boss, Ross Brawn.

Officially, the Austrian great’s role is to ensure a better link between the racing team in the UK, and the German carmaker’s headquarters in Stuttgart.

"The job has already begun," Lauda told Bild newspaper. "I have a lot of contact with Ross Brawn. I want to learn what the problems are."

The 63-year-old revealed he has already been to Mercedes’ Brackley factory three times, giving fuel to speculation he might soon replace Brawn, three years after the Michael Schumacher project is acknowledged to have failed.

But Lauda insists he has a "great relationship" with Briton Brawn.

Asked if Brawn’s job has ever been in doubt, Lauda answered: "Never. It’s not even been discussed.

"Ross has not been in danger and he never will be. He’s the boss.

"I’m just the head of the supervisory board. I just have to look at everything and ask ’What are the strengths, what are the weaknesses?’" added Lauda.