The F1 Pit Box

Ron Dennis and Lewis Hamilton

Ron Dennis announced earlier on in the month he would not be continuing as Team Principal of McLaren F1 in the 2009 season and that Martin Whitmarsh would be taking over this role.  We heard how it was 100% his decision, that Whitmarsh was more than ready for the challenge and that he would still be Executive Chairman and involved with the team.  Whilst there is bound to be some impact on the team in 2009, Whitmarsh in my mind is a worthy successor, but the one person who will feel the change the most, is the one the team will want to be fully focussed - Lewis Hamilton.

So far, Lewis's comments have centered around rightfully singing Ron's praises, welcoming Whitmarsh and confirming the pair are still great friends, however, will this change affect Lewis more than he lets on?  As has been clear from the TV coverage, there are two main people in Lewis's F1 life, his father and Ron Dennis.  If we removed his father and replaced him with Lewis's best friend's father, they would obviously have a relationship, would likely get on well and trust each other's decisions, but something would be missing - this could be the same when it's Martin Whitmarsh instead of Ron doing the business-side of winning a race.

You cannot underestimate the profound effect Ron Dennis has had on Lewis's life and for him not to be right there could see Lewis lose some concentration over the first few Grand Prix of the coming season.  This however is looking at it from a negative viewpoint, it could be that Lewis will perform even better, refusing to let change make a difference to the way he drives and races, determined to prove any doubters still remaining that even something as major as this will not shake him.

You can bet other teams will be looking for a hole in Lewis's armour, but I have the feeling this will not be it.