Formula 1 Events

Martin Whitmarsh, the would-be successor to Ron Dennis, insists that only the man himself will decide when the time is right for him to step down as McLaren team principal.

Speculation has grown in recent days about Dennis’ future with many suggesting that he will stand down as team boss over the coming days in order to concentrate on other aspects of the business.

Whitmarsh has already taken over much of the day-to-day running of the Formula 1 team and is expected to take over from Dennis when he eventually stands aside, although he insists the decision of when that happens is not his to make.

"I certainly think we need to stem the tide of the ‘Ron has had it’ coverage which we’ve seen in some sections of the media recently," he told The Guardian.

"It’s entirely, and I emphasise entirely, his decision if he decides he will have a change of role. There’s no pressure either on me or from me.

"I’ve been at McLaren for 19 years and am incredibly patient. Nor do I intend to be the Judas who knifed Ron in the back."