Ron Dennis steps down from McLaren F1, focusing on supercars
Ron Dennis, the man behind the McLaren-Mercedes F1 team, announced he'll be stepping down from his position on March 1st to concentrate on McLaren's future endeavors. Dennis made it clear during today's press conference that his departure shouldn't be perceived as retirement. On the contrary, Dennis said, "The first thing I'm going to do is work harder." And by "work harder" Dennis means he'll be focusing on the new road-going efforts of McLaren Automotive.
The new McLaren supercar – codenamed the P11 – is slated to hit roads in 2010, with power provided by a 600-hp AMG-sourced 6.2-liter V8. Three different variants will be offered, ranging from a standard road car, a convertible and a race-ready version. McLaren is also rumored to be working on two other models, including a Porsche 911-fighter expected to be priced below $100,000. In this economy, Ron has his work cut out for him.
At the end of February, Dennis will end his 28-year reign at McLaren-Mercedes and hand over the day-to-day operations to current team CEO, Martin Whitmarsh. Thanks to all who tipped in.
[Source: ITV-F1 | Image: Getty/AFP]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dustin 2:46PM (1/16/2009)
I imagine there will be less stumbling here than there was in Ferrari F1's post-Todt transition.
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Mazda FTW! 2:56PM (1/16/2009)
I'm pretty sure I've read a bunch of articles in Motor Trend and R&T which said that Benz wants nothing to do with Mclaren anymore and the P11 or whatever that project is will not recieve AMG powerplants?
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AZZO45b 4:08PM (1/16/2009)
IMO, the journalistic integrity of both those corporate mags have been slipping for years. Aren't they even owned by the same company?
If Mercedes wanted "nothing to do" with McLaren they could have gone the BMW route. BMW dumped Williams & bought out Peter Sauber.
Mobius_1 8:24AM (1/17/2009)
It's just that they were so divided over what the SLR was supposed to be: a use everyday super-GT (MB) or a out and out thoroughbred (McLaren). However, MB and AMG don't seem to mind supplying engines to independent supercarmakers, Pagani, for example.
Snix 3:18PM (1/16/2009)
Who will Lewis Hamilton tell to "go swivel" from now on?
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AZZO45b 4:04PM (1/16/2009)
WOW! A Ron Dennis story before AB post the new McLaren MP4/ 24 images?
Could have been a "double" AB!!!
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firstplace 5:46PM (1/16/2009)
cool a 911 fighter, hope they put there best into it.
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pmiddle5 5:48PM (1/16/2009)
NICEE!!!
F1 news the same day it came out most everywhere. GOOD JOB GUYS!!
and oh my. Ross Brawn and Flavio Briatore seem like the only two classic big shots left in the sport
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StarkRavingMad 5:57PM (1/16/2009)
Bring back Gordon Murray!!!
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