Ross Brawn could be set to sensationally return to Formula 1.

The highly-respected former technical chief and team boss caused a stir this week when excerpts of his new book blamed his departure on Mercedes's Toto Wolff, Niki Lauda and Paddy Lowe.

"I was surprised," Wolff told The Telegraph, "because it was not at all how my conversations went with him.

"The whole situation was much more complicated than just trust. The board felt there needed to be change in the way the team was run. Succession is always a sensitive topic.

"But my respect is still where it was for him. The book hasn't changed that."

Indeed, Wolff and Brawn might once again be sharing the paddock in the not-too-distant future, if rumours Brawn is being lined up for a top role at McLaren are true.

Those rumours follow hot on the heels of Ron Dennis's struggle to stay as McLaren supremo, and rumours team boss Eric Boullier could be heading to Ferrari.

"We can confirm that Eric is 100% committed to McLaren and not in talks with Ferrari or any other team," a McLaren spokesman insisted.

However, 61-year-old Brawn has now told Germany's Bild that he does not rule out returning to F1.

"I miss some parts of my life in Formula 1," he said. "The teamwork, the spirit and the development of a team and the car."

When asked if he can imagine coming back to F1, Brawn answered: "Never say never."