Ross Brawn has played down reports connecting him with a return to Formula 1 at his former team Ferrari.

Rumours had circulated around the pit lane about a possible return to Maranello for Brawn in the wake of Luca di Montezemolo stepping down at Ferrari.

The 59-year-old Briton announced his retirement from the sport in February after he left Mercedes and is currently enjoying his time out of motor racing.

“I am living a very different life this year,” Brawn told Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport, “and it feels good. I am determined not to return to a full-time job.”

Ferrari may still try to lure Brawn back to the role that made his name in Formula 1 as the Prancing Horse dominated under his guidance, winning six successive Constructors’ Championships from 1999 onwards.

Just days ago, new Ferrari chief Marco Mattiacci said he enjoyed meeting briefly with Brawn during his private visit to Maranello earlier this year.

But Brawn insists he does not have a role earmarked at Ferrari – or anywhere else – and that also the shake-up at his formerly ultra-successful team, including the inexperienced Mattiacci’s elevation to the top job, changes nothing.

“My visit to Maranello in May was purely of a private nature. We talked a little about ‘what if’, but nothing serious,” he added.
“Since there are no discussions, I have no thoughts in this direction.”