BERLIN - Mercedes on Monday bought a controlling stake in Formula One world champions Brawn GP in a move which is likely to see Jenson Button join McLaren next season.

The German car giant, which has taken a 75 percent stake in Ross Brawn's team, will be rebranded Mercedes GP, the company's boss Dieter Zetsche announced.

Team principal Ross Brawn, who took over the outfit after former owners Honda quit the sport at the end of 2008, is expected to remain in his role.

However, the future of his drivers is uncertain.

The new outfit are expected to plump for Nico Rosberg as their number one driver - a move that would be popular in Germany - with his countryman Nick Heidfeld his likely partner.

Neither driver has been confirmed although on Sunday Mercedes Sports boss Norbert Haug revealed he was attempting to secure Heidfeld, who has driven for BMW since 2006.

"We are speaking with Nick Heidfeld as well," Haug said.

"Mercedes-Benz supports the idea of signing an experienced and capable German driver. There is however no reason to finalise the driver situation too hastily."

Newly crowned drivers champion Button, who visited McLaren's headquarters last Friday, is widely tipped to sign for the British team to drive alongside 2008 champion Lewis Hamilton next year.

- AFP/ir