Ron Dennis has announced on Friday (January 16) to step down from his post as team principal of McLaren-Mercedes. The post of team principal will be taken over by McLaren- Mercedes Chief Executive Officer Martin Whitmarsh. Ron Dennis will relinquish his job on March 1 and after that, he will not be travelling to every race.

 

Ron Dennis entered motorsport in 1966 as a mechanic for F1 driver Jochen Rindt before leading his own Formula 2 team in the 1970s. He took over the helm at McLaren in 1981. Over the years, Dennis celebrated 10 drivers' titles and seven constructors' crowns. Niki Lauda earned him the first success after the driver clinched a title in 1984. After that, Dennis kept winning more laurels with superstars Ayrton Senna of Brazil and Frenchman Alain Prost.

 

Motorsports drivers like Mika Hakkinen and Lewis Hamilton also enjoyed titles with McLaren. According to Hamilton, Dennis played a very important role in his life. Hamilton stated that he and Dennis formed a good team and Dennis was always an important factor for the team.

 

According to Mercedes motorsport chief Norbert Haug, Ron Dennis was impeccable in his job and used to try out all his creativity to ensure victory for the team. Haug said that Dennis played a very vital role in making McLaren successful.