F1 statesmen push for Brawn knighthood

Ross Brawn

(GMM) Two of F1's elder statesmen are pushing for a knighthood for Ross Brawn.

The 54-year-old Briton played a leading role not only in Michael Schumacher's titles at Benetton and Ferrari, but he also conquered the 2009 drivers' and constructors' championships with his own name above the garage door.

"Royal recognition is all too rare in our sport, but it would be well deserved if offered to the right man. And to honor Ross would be only right and proper," F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone is quoted as saying by the Sunday Express.

A knighthood, presented by the Queen, is a high British honor by which recipients may preface their name with the title 'Sir'.

"I believe 100 per cent that Ross should be honored with a knighthood," said Murray Walker, the famous British F1 commentator.