Ron Dennis is to end all his involvement with the McLaren Formula One squad in order to concentrate on the marque's new sports car business, it has been announced today.
All responsibility as CEO of McLaren Racing now goes to Martin Whitmarsh, who became team principal earlier this year.
Read about McLaren's road car plans here
Read Alan Henry's blog on Dennis' departure here
Regarding his move away from F1, Dennis said: "I passed the role of team principal of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes to Martin Whitmarsh on 16 January, the day of the launch of our new Formula One car.
"That day I was asked many times whether I would attend the 2009 Australian Grand Prix. My answer was 'yes'. I duly attended it - albeit not as the person in charge of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. It was, I admit, a strange feeling.
"The next race, the Malaysian Grand Prix, I watched on TV in the UK - an activity I found surprisingly easy. I'd expected to be more emotional about it, after an unbroken run of attending so many grands prix for so many years.
"I admit I'm not always easy to get on with. I admit I've always fought hard for McLaren in Formula One. I doubt if Max Mosley or Bernie Ecclestone will be displeased by my decision. But no one asked me to do it. It was my decision.
"Equally, I was the architect of today's restructure of the McLaren Group. Again, no-one asked me to do it. It was my decision.
"I feel enormously enthused about the prospects for the McLaren Group and for McLaren Automotive, and have no qualms about leaving Martin to report to the board regarding matters connected with Formula One."
Richard Lapthorne will now be appointed non-executive chairman of the McLaren Group and a non-executive director of McLaren Automotive, the company said.
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