F1 News
Dennis: ''He's shown the world that you can give up everything for your sport''
- GPblog.com
After several years of internal struggles, Ron Dennis then really quit McLaren in 2017 with the sale of his shares in the brand that he himself managed to raise to great heights. One of the drivers who still thinks about him is none other than Lewis Hamilton.
Former McLaren top man still proud
The seven-time world champion has been driving for Mercedes since 2013 and has already won five world titles, but his career actually started at the age of thirteen, when Ron Dennis discovered the young Briton in karting. Until 2012, Hamilton remained linked to McLaren and then made the switch, but never forgot.
"I got a message from Ron and I want to thank him again for all the support I've had from him, the fact that he's seen me and that he's always believed in me. Without him I would never have been here'', Hamilton said to Sky Sports after winning his sixth world title and Dennis thanks him for that in an interview with the same medium.
Hamilton has never forgotten Dennis
"Lewis has grown a lot more mature over the years, which, of course, goes with his age. But he never forgets you. Our relationship is kind of a father-son relationship and he'll never forget who helped him. Whether it's his father, McLaren staff or myself,'' says the former McLaren top executive.
Dennis is proud of his former pupil. ''He has shown the world that you can combine talent with the will to give up everything for your sport. He's done a great job and of course he deserves those titles tremendously'', concludes Dennis, who has had great years with his stable since 1980, with world titles with Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen and of course Hamilton.