Hamilton surprised by departure of mentor Dennis

[April 17, 2009]  SHANGHAI (AP) -- Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton was surprised but not disappointed by the resignation of his mentor and longtime McLaren team principal Ron Dennis.

Dennis, 61, announced on Thursday that he was relinquishing the last of his roles with the team as chief executive, fully ceding leadership of the team to team principal Martin Whitmarsh.

"I wasn't disappointed," Hamilton said Friday. "I was just as surprised as the rest of my team."

Dennis signed the then 13-year-old Hamilton to a development program in 1998, playing a key role in grooming the young Englishman, who became world champion last season.

"Ron has been a huge force and support in my life, and he still plays a key role in my life, whether or not he is in the team or not," Hamilton said.

"You guys have been writing about it for years that as soon as he gets to a certain stage he will move aside. I guess, I don't know why, he decided to do it now."

Dennis took over the McLaren team in 1981, leading it to 10 drivers' championships and seven constructors' championships.

[Associated Press; By CHRIS LINES]

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