Dennis against Todt taking F1 reins

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has spelt out his objections to Ferrari counterpart Jean Todt eventually taking control of Formula One.

FIA president Max Mosley recently highlighted Todt as his potential successor, such has been Todt’s record in Formula One, where the Frenchman has masterminded Ferrari’s current domination of the sport.

But Dennis is opposed to any suggestion that Todt should one day take over from Mosley, claiming it would be impossible for him to avoid accusations of bias towards Ferrari.

Dennis said: “There is clearly a big advantage for whoever is the president of the governing body to have an in-depth knowledge of Formula One.

“The question would be – whether it was Jean Todt or myself or another member of a team – are they capable of bringing the impartiality that would be required?

“Even if they are, every single decision that was marginal would be questioned on the basis of their former position.

“From a competence stand point I think Jean would do an excellent job. But would he or anyone else in that position be able to demonstrate beyond all doubt - not even reasonable doubt – that they are functioning in an impartial manner?

“If I was in that position I would struggle to be impartial so I can’t see how Jean, Flavio [Braitore, Renault boss] or whoever can ever be put in charge having managed a current Formula One team. It’s not to do with Jean.”