Brawn happy with Hamilton's criticism

Feb.11 (GMM) Ross Brawn insists he has no problem with Lewis Hamilton's criticisms of the new Mercedes.

After six years with McLaren, the 2008 world champion began work with his new team at Jerez last week, and immediately both he and Nico Rosberg struck technical trouble.

They had a much better second half of the opening test, but Briton Hamilton pointed out that the W04 lacks the downforce of his 2012 McLaren.

Ross Brawn, Mercedes AMG F1 Team Principal

Photo by: XPB Images

Team boss Brawn insists he is not worried Hamilton is being forthright.

"It is correct that he gives his reference points and helps us understand what we have to focus on," he said.

"Some of it we knew already and that is why we restructured the aero group. I welcome that approach.

"It needs to be positive and constructive but criticism of the right sort is helpful to a team, it drives you forward," added Brawn.

Meanwhile, the Mirror reports that Hamilton's management team has undergone yet another change.

Just one season into his collaboration with Mika Hakkinen's former manager Didier Coton, Hamilton has now replaced him with Tom Shine.

28-year-old Hamilton is, however, staying with Simon Fuller's XIX Management firm.

"Tom is very experienced but Simon Fuller will still be the main man," a source said.

"It was Lewis' decision. He has made all the decisions and Didier was on a one-year contract."