What happened to Ron Dennis? Life after McLaren for the mastermind
Read next: Formula 1 World Champions — A legacy of racing legends
Discover what former McLaren team principal Ron Dennis has been up to since leaving Formula 1, including his business ventures, charity work, and more.
For nearly three decades, the name Ron Dennis was synonymous with McLaren in Formula 1. Under his leadership, the team claimed seven Constructors’ Championships and revolutionized the sport. But when Dennis stepped back from McLaren, it marked the end of an era. So, what has he been doing since leaving Formula 1?
The legacy of Ron Dennis at McLaren
Ron Dennis was one of the most influential team principals in Formula 1 history. Starting as a mechanic with the Cooper F1 team, he eventually founded his Formula Two outfit, Project Four, before taking the reins at McLaren in the early 1980s. With the team struggling under Teddy Mayer and Gordon Coppuck, Dennis seized the opportunity to rebuild McLaren into a powerhouse.
During his tenure, McLaren became a dominant force, fielding legendary drivers such as Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Häkkinen, and Lewis Hamilton. Dennis prioritized cutting-edge technology, which propelled the team to numerous victories and cemented its legacy.
By the time Dennis turned 70, he had begun stepping back from day-to-day operations. In 2016, he officially left McLaren, selling his shares and passing the leadership baton to Zak Brown.
Ron Dennis’ ventures beyond Formula 1
After leaving McLaren, Dennis continued to channel his entrepreneurial spirit into various ventures. He stayed on as McLaren Group chairman until 2016, overseeing the development of luxury sports cars like the 650S and negotiating key business deals, including a partnership with Honda for power units.
In 1999, he founded Absolute Taste, a UK-based catering company. Although the business was acquired by One Event Management in 2016, it remains involved in major events like Goodwood and Silverstone.
Dennis also held a position as a British Business Ambassador for advanced engineering and manufacturing, advising the UK on global investments in those sectors until the program ended in 2019.
Charity work and humanitarian contributions
Dennis has been heavily involved in charitable efforts. In 2001, he became co-chair of the trustee board for Tommy’s, a charity supporting families dealing with pregnancy loss. After 15 years, he became a Patron of the organization. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dennis launched the “Salute the NHS” campaign, which provided meals and care packages to frontline healthcare workers.
He is also the founder and chairman of Podium Analytics, a charity focused on reducing injuries in sports. The organization funds research on athletic health concerns, including traumatic brain injuries in young athletes. Most recently, it supported a groundbreaking study on brain injuries in 2025.
Recognition and continued contributions
In 2024, Dennis was honored as a Knight Bachelor in the New Year Honours for his services to motorsport and charity. He also served as a non-executive director for the UK Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology in 2023 before stepping down in 2024.
A lasting legacy
At 77 years old, Ron Dennis shows no signs of slowing down. From business ventures to humanitarian work, he remains an influential figure in both motorsport and beyond. His career serves as an enduring testament to innovation, leadership, and giving back to the community.
Up Next
