Ron Dennis to Leave F1 Side Of McLaren

McLaren have today announced that Ron Dennis is to leave the Formula 1 arm of the team and is to take on a new project heading a new road sports car instead.

This leaves Martin Whitmarsh in total charge of the Formula 1 section of the business.

The loss of such experience within the McLaren team will no doubt lead to McLaren's return to the top of F1 being considerably delayed. Whitmarsh has shown that he is capable of performing in the role, otherwise he wouldn't be in that position, however, Dennis has been involved in the success and development of drivers such as Hakkinen, Lauda, Prost and Senna.

The loss of the ability to manage drivers and teams will be felt by McLaren, especially with the rise to F1 of Lewis Hamilton and his father Anthony in the background. After the recent  scandal that has plagued the McLaren team rumours of Hamilton's  departure were hitting the headlines of sport news sites  across the world. Anthony Hamilton was believed to be considering advising Lewis to seek pastures new in order to repair his tarnished reputation and to find a car that is on the pace.

I can't help but wonder if Ron Dennis has thrown himself on his sword as a final act to keep Lewis at the team, and furthermore if that is a wise idea.

Lewis and Anthony Hamilton have been involved in racing since Lewis was a child, and Anthony has steered Lewis to the ultimate drivers title, F1 champion. But at what cost has this rise been at.

Lewis is  undoubtedly one of the best drivers in the sport at the moment, but how many teams would want him if it was decided that his time at McLaren was over? Ron Dennis was a brave man to take on the Hamilton duo, dealing with a driver is one thing, add into the mix a manager/father who is always there is a completely different way of working.

Ron Dennis was able to manage and control the situation as it grew, and was the best placed man to manage Lewis as he arrived in Formula 1. Whilst other teams would love the talent and  exposure that Lewis would bring I don't think they would want to take on Anthony Hamilton as well.

There are many drivers who have their parents in the pits during races, Jenson Button's father is a constant feature and a source of strength to Jenson whilst he was struggling. John Button however, does not  interfere with Jenson's affairs.

With the loss of Ron Dennis I suspect the Hamilton will still be a great in Formula 1 but I think that he is a great man to lose from the sport and a great influence on many former drivers and he will be sorely missed.