Ron Dennis Quits F1

bennyx_o · 16-04-2009 10:37am #1

BBC wrote:

Ron Dennis has handed over complete control of McLaren Racing to team principal Martin Whitmarsh, ending his 43-year involvement in Formula 1.

The 61-year-old stepped down as world champion Lewis Hamilton's team boss on 16 January, but stayed involved in F1.

However, Dennis will now concentrate solely on McLaren's Automotive company.

"I am the architect of this restructure of McLaren. I have no qualms about leaving Martin to look after all matters connected to F1," said Dennis.

"I feel enormously enthused about the prospects for both the McLaren Group and for McLaren Automotive."

As executive chairman of McLaren Automotive, Dennis will lead the group's project to develop a range of pure McLaren sports cars, with the launch date for the first model set for 2011.

And with McLaren due to face the sport's governing body, the FIA, on 29 April charged with breaching the International Sporting Code, Dennis admits his departure will be welcomed by two of F1's biggest names.

"I admit I'm not always easy to get on with. I admit I've always fought hard for McLaren in Formula 1," he said.

"I doubt if (FIA president) Max Mosley or (FIA chief executive) Bernie Ecclestone will be displeased by my decision."

More to follow.

BBC.

Also on SSN now.

Wonder has McLaren's slow start toeh season got anything to do with it?

De Hipster · 16-04-2009 12:25pm

Have to say I was never a fan.

The timing of his step-down makes me ponder on his involvement in the decision-making process connected to the lying affair...

Fanny Cradock · 16-04-2009 12:57pm

"Ron is an immensely complex individual," said Whitmarsh. "Nobody would doubt his passion for this sport and team. There will, inevitably, be some things I will miss about him and I won't miss other things about him. He would say the same about me."

In other words, "I don't like him and I'm glad to see the back of him."

amacachi · 16-04-2009 1:01pm

LIGHTNING wrote: »

If it wasnt for him and his team orders DC would probably be a WC. Alas it was not to be.

I don't know if I'd go that far, but he would've been remembered as more than a journeyman, which he's better than.

vectra · 16-04-2009 1:58pm

About bloody time
I would agree with Lightning there about DC

stakey · 16-04-2009 2:12pm

I'd say he's going to save McLaren the wrath of the FIA for the 'liegate' affair. With him gone, there's a lot less hatred for McLaren. In saying that, good riddance, he gave a lot to Formula 1, i'll give him that, but F1 through the late 90's and 00's would've been all the better without him. He grew way too powerful and pigheaded (IMHO).