Bernie Ecclestone: 'Ron Dennis exit a shame'

Formula 1 and McLaren this week look set to say farewell to 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.

The 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."

However, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone appeared to confirm Dennis's impending departure in conversation with Spanish broadcaster Movistar.

"It's a shame because Ron is part of Formula 1. I hate to see him go," he said.

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

Dennis has been McLaren team principal since 1981.