According to Dennis: « McLaren is behind the split with Mercedes »

Today Ron Dennis reveals that the McLaren team was the instigator of the end of its exclusive alliance with Mercedes-Benz at the end of last season. The German manufacturer had then focused on taking over the Brawn GP team, the reigning world champion.

Certainly, at the time, it was said that this turn of events could harm the future prospects of the English team, but Dennis remains adamant. For him, this solution was the best, especially since McLaren was assured of continuing to have access to the “customer engines” manufactured in Stuttgart.

Speaking about this split, he told Arabian Business Magazine: “It was really amicable, quite simply.”

He also recalls Mercedes’ insistence when the engine manufacturer sought to be the majority in the English team: « Over the years and consistently, they wanted to have control of McLaren, and we continuously told them that we did not want them to have control. »

He adds: “The more they wanted it, the less we wanted to give it to them. Because, when you look at what’s happening… the influence that they [the car manufacturers] have is not always productive. CEOs change overnight. I spent about 30 years of my life in this company, and I have many friends and people there who have been with me through thick and thin. I was very clear with Mercedes-Benz, as well as with other shareholders: We are not for sale. They still hoped.”

He confirms his statement: « We have been the instigator of this change, we wanted to be independent. For the supply of Mercedes engines to the Brawn team in 2008 (for the 2009 season), we were not absent from the negotiation, as our consent was required… We are still a full-fledged partner of Mercedes-Benz, on the circuit we engage in fierce competition, but outside we are still close friends. It is not a preferential agreement, but rather a win-win situation. »

With his years of experience and his typically British composure, Ron Dennis concludes:

«They got exactly what they wanted: a Grand Prix team and they have full control of it. We ensure continuity in engine supply to promote our products and develop the McLaren brand… In the end, when everyone understood what was going to happen, it all seemed logical to everyone.»

After this customer supply agreement, who will replace the star engine manufacturer? A partnership with Renault or even Cosworth seems unlikely, let alone a relationship with Ferrari.

The arrival of a new brand in F1 like Volkswagen?

What if we looked into the case of an English engine manufacturer capable of designing high-performance engines, a certain McLaren.

Yes, the British team has the know-how. Will we ever see a McLaren powered by McLaren? That is the question…