The former president of McLaren, Ron Dennis, during an interview spoke about his experience in Formula 1.
Dennis had stepped down as CEO of McLaren in 2009, handing over the reigns to Martin Whitmarsh but returned to his post in 2014 under the condition that he would seek investment to take a controlling interest in the company
His contract with McLaren expired in January 2017, and in June 2017 it was announced that he had agreed to sell his remaining shares in both the McLaren Technology Group and McLaren Automotive.
“I have often been asked what was my best day at McLaren and my answer has always been June 1, 2017, the day I decided to leave the team. This answer of mine always amazes the interlocutors but it is not difficult to understand, as on that day,” Dennis said.
“On that date, I put the full stop, the final word, on a chapter that I wrote in the McLaren book.” Dennis added.
Dennis, who won ten Drivers’ and seven Constructors’ World Championships with McLaren, also recounted some details of his post-F1 life.
“At that time I had an extremely clear vision that I would never, never return to McLaren and that I would never have dealt with cars or the automotive industry in general, so from that point on my life took a very clear and different direction.” Dennis said.
“I followed the motto and the advice that my grandfather always repeated, even to me, if you follow your heart you will not have to work, but you will always do something you like and consequently what you do will not be a sacrifice for you.” he added.
Today, Dennis ia one of six British business persons to be an official British Business Ambassador for advanced engineering and manufacturing.