Despite the alluring curves of the MP4-24, the McLaren Mercedes’ new car took a back seat Friday to the announcement by the team’s director, Ron Dennis, that he would drop a role he has held since 1980.
Dennis, 61, who started in Formula One as a mechanic in 1964 and who took over McLaren in 1980 to lead it through its most glorious era - with titles won by Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen and Lewis Hamilton - said he would no longer serve as “team principal.”
Like wildfire the news spread through the media that Dennis was resigning from his job. There was just one thing odd about all the excitement:
“Let me make one thing clear: this is very definitely not retirement. In fact, I intend to work even harder from now on. In any case, this announcement won’t change a great deal because, in his capacity as Chief Operating Officer of McLaren Group, Martin and I already jointly take all the major decisions that affect this company. What today’s decision means is that Martin will now become solely responsible for the performance of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and will be entrusted to ensure the team remains a competitive force in Formula 1 motor racing.”
“As for myself, I will continue to expand and develop my role as McLaren Group Chairman and still intend to go to some, but not all, Grands Prix because I remain a diehard enthusiast. Motor racing is in my blood - and nothing will dilute my passion for either the sport or the success of this company.”
“It’s absolutely time for Martin to take over the job of team principal, so as of March 1, Martin will adopt that position,” confirmed Dennis.
“I will now take on more responsibility, greater responsibility, in certain key areas of the group. I will still be full executive chairman. But it’s time, and it’s absolutely 100% my decision. It’s what I want to do.”
