Ron Dennis told to step down as McLaren Group chairman

Ron Dennis, one of the most prominent team principals in the Formula 1 scene, has been asked to step down from his role of Chairman and Chief Executive of the McLaren Group. The decision has been taken after the group's shareholders united to state that Dennis' working style had become autocratic in nature, making it difficult to work under harmony.

Ron Dennis' exit marks an end of his 36-year long stint with the McLaren Group. Though Dennis contributed in various verticals of the group, he will largely be remembered as part of the automaker's F1 arm. Under his reign, the McLaren F1 team earned 7 constructors' championships and 10 drivers' titles, making it one of the most successful Formula 1 teams of all times. He is often referred to as the driving force behind Lewis Hamilton's Formula 1 career, who became the world champion in 2008 driving a McLaren. Dennis has led McLaren in 158 of the team's 182 Grand Prix victories.

However, things haven’t been that great for the team over the recent years. 2015 was McLaren's worst ever season as they managed to finish ninth, just ahead of Manor. In the ongoing 2016 season, McLaren are still a distant sixth. Dennis has also not been able to bring on board a new title sponsor to replace Vodafone. All these factors might have played a part in the shareholders' decision to bid farewell to the team principal.

Despite Dennis stepping down from his position, he will retain his 25% stake in McLaren.

Source: The Guardian