After years of being at odds with the McLaren Group Board of Directors, Chairman Ron Dennis sweet-talked his way into their good graces and has been recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Group thereby giving him full authority to 'shake things up' and make McLaren more competitive in the 2014 season.

Ron Dennis was the CEO of the from 1982 to 2012 and the Team Principal of the McLaren Formula 1 racing team from 1982 to 2009 before becoming Chairman of the Group in 2013.

“My fellow shareholders have mandated me to write an exciting new chapter in the story of McLaren, beginning by improving our on-track and off-track performance. Over the coming weeks I intend to undertake a thorough and objective review of each of our businesses with the intention of optimising every aspect of our existing operations, whilst identifying new areas of growth that capitalise on our technologies, and where appropriate further investing in them. During February, I will articulate a new Group strategy and implement the organisational structure best suited to achieving it. I am excited by the prospect of returning to the role of Group Chief Executive Officer and working with my many colleagues and fellow shareholders to fulfil our objective – which is to win at whatever we do,” said Ron Dennis.

Martin Whitmarsh, who has had a rocky relationship with Ron Dennis, and his position as Team Principal is said to be under threat.  There is speculation that Ross Brawn will cut short his sabbatical to join McLaren.