Otmar Szafnauer leaves Honda

Szafnauer originally joined the team when it was British American Racing in 1998, and became vice-president of Honda Racing Development from 2002. He represented the Japanese manufacturer in FIA meetings and was a popular figure in the paddock.

However, with Brawn choosing to take on a number of responsibilities that Szafnauer originally held, it has been agreed for him to pursue his career elsewhere.

Brawn said: "Otmar's left the company. The role he had didn't exist anymore, so we came to an agreement for him to leave Honda. I think he did a very good job for Honda over the years, but simply the role he had didn't exist anymore.

"I'm obviously taking a lot of responsibility for areas which Otmar would have dealt with in the past, liaising with the FIA and so on. So it became clear that there wasn't such a strong role for him in the future so he's pursuing his career elsewhere."

Brawn also said that there would likely be further appointments in the near future in his efforts to help Honda Racing up the grid.

"There's been some changes, and there are some changes still to come to strengthen the team. Naturally some of the people you want who want to join you have contractual obligations so they can't join immediately.

"But there's been some strengthening the team already, particularly to help the design side. Maybe there are some things we want to do to help other areas of the company for the future. It's an ongoing process - it's something you can't do overnight."