Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda says he is doing everything in his power to persuade team principal Ross Brawn not to leave the German team.
Brawn's future has been the subject of speculation ever since Mercedes recruited Paddy Lowe from McLaren, who is seen as a potential successor to the 58-year-old.
A BBC report on Tuesday suggested Brawn would step down following this season's final race in Brazil on November 24.
Mercedes have not commented on the latest reports but Lauda, a three-time world champion, says they are determined not to let Brawn go.
"The speculation is total rubbish," Lauda told Wednesday's edition of British newspaper The Times.
"The situation is absolutely clear -- I spoke to Ross a while ago and we agreed he will come back to me after the final race of the season in Brazil to tell me whether he wants to stay or go.
"I am trying everything I can to encourage and motivate him to stay. I am the one who asked him to stay. I want him to do it but it is not my decision; it is his decision.
"If he stays he will be team principal -- nothing else -- or he will retire."
Source: AFP
