Ron Dennis steps down as McLaren-Mercedes Team Principal 

Written by David on January 16th, 2009 at 6:40 pmLast Update: January 16th, 2009 at 6:40 pm

Ron DennisDuring MP4-24′s launch this morning at Woking, McLaren boss Ron Dennis announced that on March 1st 2009, he will step down as the team’s Team Principal. Martin Whitmarsh, currently Chief Operating Officer for the McLaren Group, will be handed the new role of Team Principal. “Let me make one thing clear: this is very definitely not retirement,” said Dennis. “In fact, I intend to work even harder from now on. And it’s because I intend to work even harder – on growing the McLaren Group, which encompasses McLaren Automotive, McLaren Electronic Systems, McLaren Applied Technologies, McLaren Marketing, McLaren Inc and Absolute Taste, as well as McLaren Racing of course – that I’ve decided to pass the role of Team Principal of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes to Martin,” he added.

“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,” continued the Briton. “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.”

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