Mercedes cloud remains above Nick Fry’s head

Nick Fry, Mercedes’ chief executive, was present on Monday for the launch of the team’s 2013 car.

But with the new guard refusing to outright deny speculation McLaren’s Paddy Lowe could be making a switch for 2014, a dark cloud hangs above Briton Fry’s head.

"He has long been a key member of the team," insisted team boss Ross Brawn, whose own future has been up for discussion in recent times.

But Brawn insisted on Monday that his own position is not in question at least for "the foreseeable future".

As for his old Honda and Brawn GP colleague Fry, he admitted: "This week we announced a new sponsor, a new partner (Blackberry), and Nick was very much involved in that.

"I’m sure he will continue to be involved in the team, but maybe in a different capacity," said Brawn.

Toto Wolff, the Brackley based team’s new 30 per cent owner and director, insisted he is in no mind to make "hasty decisions".

"I’ve only been at work for a few days," he is quoted by Speed Week, "so it’s really too early to say anything. I need more time.

"What the team needs, above all, is stability. We have a tough season behind us and a very important one in front."

Nico Rosberg, who has been a Mercedes race driver since the beginning of the project in 2010, said he has not felt the effects of the apparent shake-up.

"Those with the main responsibility for the development of the new car are still the same," said the German.

"In this way we have stability."