13/03/2008
NEWS STORY
Following months of speculation regarding his future, earlier this week, McLaren boss Ron Dennis informed his workforce that he would be remaining at the helm for the foreseeable future.
Earlier today, in Melbourne, less than 24-hours before the 2008 season kicks off, the Englishman explained his reason for staying on to reporters, admitting that he had seriously considered stepping down as team boss.
"Martin has taken more and more responsibility over the last three years, and that was by design," said Dennis, referring to McLaren CEO Martin Whitmarsh. "We've been sharing the workload for many years and I give him more every year.
"I had thought pretty much at the beginning of last season it would be my last season of going to races," he admitted, "purely because of how long I've done it. However, I want to win races and I think I have something to contribute but we will have to see how the season unfolds."
Following the spy saga which was to cost the team $100m, loss of face and probably both championship titles in 2007, not to mention public criticism of his own handling of the affair, there was speculation that the 60-year-old might step down. Having bought the team in 1980 and turned it into one of the most successful teams in the history of the sport, this would not have been a fitting end to Dennis' career.
Along with Frank Williams, Dennis is regarded as one of the few team principals who still 'gets off' on the thrill of F1 racing.
"I am just a guy that enjoys going motor racing," he admitted, "and if I don't feel I have something positive to do, then I wouldn't be here. I am continuing as team principal but it is the smallest part of my job and one Martin definitely has wanted to have for a while. He will have to wait a little bit longer. But I will approach it slightly differently this year than before."
Asked if he could imagine a future out of the sport, the Englishman replied: "You think about your future, you don't think about life without this or without that. I've got some things I really want to do before I die and some of those things are a bit physical so I am trying to stay in good shape to enjoy a few more things."