Ross Brawn has refused to say if he will still be Mercedes’ team boss in 2014.
Asked the question at Silverstone by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper, the 58-year-old Briton answered: "I hope so."
This weekend’s British grand prix is the first race attended in Mercedes team wear by McLaren’s former technical director Paddy Lowe, who had been tipped to eventually succeed Brawn.
Brawn admitted: "One day my career will be finished, but I will not stop until we are at the top.
"That will be the day when I can give less than I am now to the team.
"Paddy Lowe has started work earlier than expected, and first he needs to be integrated, but he will take over a lot of the responsibility and, if possible, then my role will change."
Brawn also insists Mercedes will not spoil the broth by having too many technical cooks: now alongside the former Ferrari technical director and Lowe are Bob Bell, Aldo Costa and Geoff Willis.
"I think we have enough," Brawn said.
"Actually it’s perfect, as every one of us has an unique task.
"At the moment, Bob is taking care of this year’s car, Aldo is managing the 2014 car, and Geoff is thinking about what is important in 2015.
"We are very well positioned," he added, failing to mention Lowe’s current responsibilities.
According to the paddock grapevine, 51-year-old Briton Lowe is simply waiting to take over from Brawn.
"I have never feared for my job," Brawn insists. "It has never factored in my thinking.
"I’ve always done what I felt was right. If that doesn’t suit the ideas of other people, then that’s too bad, but I’m not going to change for them.
"I have always been aware that life in formula one is like a rollercoaster ride."