Ron Dennis exit ’a shame’ - Ecclestone

F1 and McLaren this week look set to farewell Ron Dennis.

Reports have circulated for some time that the Woking team’s ’supremo’ has lost a power struggle with fellow shareholders and will be imminently ousted.

Britain’s Daily Mail claims the 69-year-old will be told on Tuesday that he must accept a lesser role or be axed altogether.

When asked to comment, team boss Eric Boullier said: "Ron is chairman and group CEO of McLaren today."

But F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone appeared to confirm Dennis’ impending departure in conversation with the Spanish broadcaster Movistar.

"It’s a shame because Ron is part of formula one. I hate to see him go.

"Maybe the board will change its mind and Ron will stay," he added.