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Ron Dennis says heads will roll unless McLaren sharpen up

 

David Tremayne
Friday 07 March 2014 00:23 GMT
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Ron Dennis, CEO of the McLaren Group says team members need to sharpen up
Ron Dennis, CEO of the McLaren Group says team members need to sharpen up

McLaren's returning chief executive Ron Dennis has threatened to dismiss any member of the team who does not adapt to his methods for making the Formula One car competitive again.

McLaren had one of their worst seasons last year, failing to make the podium and finishing fifth in the constructors' championship.

And though Dennis, who replaced Martin Whitmarsh as team principal in January, admits that any turnaround will not be immediate, he will be ruthless in his determination make things happen sooner rather than later.

"If people don't make the transition to the new way of thinking they won't be with the company next year," he stated bluntly. "People here know there will be more pain this year and it will take us time to get there. But because it will take time, they will get plenty of messaging."

And although Williams, Ferrari, Force India and possibly even the troubled Red Bull are ahead of McLaren in winter testing, Dennis added: "I believe we will win races this year. I don't know how many or how quickly. But I have told everyone here that if they match my passion and commitment, we will win."

After five years on the sidelines, it was definitely a revitalised Dennis who spoke ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in nine days. "I feel 25 rather than 66," he said. "I am healthy and have a lot to contribute to this team."

Meanwhile, Williams, another team who flopped last season, have confirmed Martini title sponsorship for the coming year.

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