Ron Dennis admits 'mixed feelings' over Hamilton

McLaren Group CEO and chairman Ron Dennis said he had mixed feelings about former driver Lewis Hamilton's time at McLaren, and revealed the 2015 World Champion would not be behaving the way he does if he had remained with the Woking team.

Speaking at the Marketing Society's annual conference in London, Dennis recalled how he met Hamilton when he was a 13-year-old karter, and was so impressed by his talent that he signed him to a long-term McLaren contract which culminated with his first world championship title in 2008.

Dennis revealed that he felt like a surrogate father to the youngster, and one who guided and fostered his talent and ability in his formative years.

The McLaren Group founder was quick to commend Hamilton on his outstanding career achievements, but also believed that he had at times 'gone off the rails' because he had missed out on part of his childhood development.

"I look at him with mixed emotions," Dennis said. "It was an interesting experience for everybody and it wasn’t completely smooth and harmonious, and I don’t approve of everything he does or says."

"But nevertheless great athletes are great because of the sacrifices they have to make. And sometimes sacrifices are in a very formative part of their childhood so they don’t always emerge with all the right social process or behaviour or tendencies that you like.

"If he was at McLaren he wouldn’t be behaving the way he is because he wouldn’t be allowed to... He's shaking off some chains he didn’t want to have."

Unfinished business: the scores still to be settled in Abu Dhabi

Use the red tabs on either side of the screen to scroll through more Formula One news and features

Click here for exclusive pictures of the Ferrari power unit

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Marko: ‘No chance at all’ for Red Bull in Las Vegas

Helmut Marko believes that Red Bull and Max Verstappen are unlikely to challenge for victory…

2 hours ago

GM revives bid to join F1 with accelerated talks for 2026 entry

Automotive giant General Motors is reportedly back in the game as a potential entrant in…

3 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Thursday's action in pictures

The opening day of running at the Las Vegas GP was a smooth but chilly…

4 hours ago

Williams' headaches persist into Vegas practice

Williams is continuing to fight uphill battles this weekend in Las Vegas as a knock-on…

6 hours ago

Ferrari's Sainz 'not satisfied with where we are' in Vegas

It was a solid start to the Las Vegas weekend for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz…

7 hours ago

Norris labels McLaren long-run pace ‘shocking’ in chilly Vegas

Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…

8 hours ago