Amid reports that Ross Brawn is in the process of being drafted into a top management role in Formula 1 by Liberty Media, Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda doubts that this is a first step in marginalising and ultimately ousting Bernie Ecclestone.

When confronted, in Mexico, by Auto Bild about the Brawn reports, Ecclestone said, “I would be very pleased if he went to the FIA, he would be absolutely first class.”

Lauda agrees and told Bild newspaper, “Ross is an excellent engineer, but a businessman of the calibre of Bernie Ecclestone cannot simply be replaced.”

The Formula 1 legend’s sentiments are echoed in the paddock with Toro Rosso chief Franz Tost saying, “The take over process will take time. I am presuming that over the next few years it will be run by a combination of Bernie and Liberty working together.”

This was echoed by Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley, “We need to have Bernie helping with the transition of F1 to the new owners.”

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This article was originally published on grandprix247.com.