Formula One news

Hamilton surprised to see Dennis departure

Lewis Hamilton has admitted that the decision of Ron Dennis to leave McLaren's F1 team came as unexpected this week Dennis, who first signed Hamilton as a twelve-year-old in 1997, has stepped down as CEO for McLaren Racing as he focuses on the group's road car projects.

"I wasn't disappointed," Hamilton said. "I was surprised, as I hadn't heard about it; I was just as surprised as the rest of my team. Of course, Ron has been a huge force in supporting my life and he still plays a key role in that."

Dennis has been part of McLaren since 1980 and has witnessed title wins in his cars from Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna and Mika Hakkinen before Hamilton last year. As he forms the new McLaren Automotive company, the F1 team has endured a difficult start to the new season, with an FIA hearing due on Wednesday 29 April following the 'lie-gate' saga.

more news

• 04 Nov.
  • Vettel and Schumacher win ROC Nations Cup
  • Toyota highlights reasons for F1 exit
  • Official: Toyota leaves Formula One
  • An interview with Kamui Koabayshi
• 03 Nov.
  • 'Toyota set to end Formula 1 project'
  • Red Bull to announce engine partner 'very shortly'
  • Schumacher: Comeback was for Felipe
  • Trulli on lookout for clear racing rules
  • Räikkönen too expensive, says Brawn
  • Horner aware of 2010 challengers
  • Michael: Hülkenberg following Hamilton-like path
• 02 Nov.
  • Brawn thanks Barrichello for contribution
  • Kubica to drive in French rally
  • 2010: The grid so far
  • Alonso won't drive Ferrari until February
  • Williams confirms Barrichello and Hülkenberg for 2010
  • Optimism at Renault for next year
  • Whitmarsh: 2010 McLaren quicker than 2009 car
  • Alonso fined for pit lane speeding
  • Bridgestone to leave F1 after 2010
  • 'Things look good' - Soucek on F1 hopes
  • Kobayashi looking good for 2010 Toyota seat
• 01 Nov.
  • Räikkönen ends Ferrari career outside top ten
  • Barrichello loses out in battle for second
  • Sutil finishes positive season at the back
  • Thankful Alonso bows out of Renault
  • Rosberg waves goodbye to Williams with ninth
  • Buemi proves worth again with eighth
  • First F1 points for Kamui Kobayashi
  • BMW grabs sixth spot from Williams
  • Webber worried by puncture threat
  • Vettel emotional after 'fantastic' race
  • I couldn't make move stick, says Button
  • Hamilton: Shame to end with problems
  • Vettel closes season with superb victory
  • Donington owner Tom Wheatcroft dies
  • Photos: Sunday in Abu Dhabi
  • 'We are very close' - Hill on Silverstone
• 31 Oct.
  • Car weights: Hamilton lighter than RBR as Renault fuel up
  • 'Result not a surprise' - Räikkönen

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