From GMM
Martin Whitmarsh on Thursday revealed he offered to resign as McLaren team boss after the recent Malaysian grand prix.
The 50-year-old had been in charge of the Woking based team for just a month when the 'lie-gate' scandal struck.
It has already claimed team manager Dave Ryan, brought Lewis Hamilton's relationship with the team to an all-time low, and reportedly paved the way to Ron Dennis walking away from all involvement in formula one.
But Whitmarsh, whose comments to a BBC reporter after the Australian grand prix will be probed by the World Motor Sport Council later this month, told reporters in Shanghai that McLaren's shareholders "graciously" rejected his offer to quit.
He refused to link Dennis' departure to the affair directly, but indicated it might lead to McLaren enjoying a better relationship with F1's ruling authorities.
"I think anyone who has looked at the relationship between McLaren and FIA over the last few years would have to conclude it would be healthier and more positive for all of us to have a more constructive relationship than we've had in the past," said Whitmarsh.
He also effectively ruled out reinstating Ryan, who has been characterised by the specialist press as a scapegoat.
"I think part of this process is that we show the FIA that we accept the seriousness of what has occurred and that we are working hard to change the culture of the business," said Whitmarsh.
photo:WRI2
Martin Whitmarsh on Thursday revealed he offered to resign as McLaren team boss after the recent Malaysian grand prix.
The 50-year-old had been in charge of the Woking based team for just a month when the 'lie-gate' scandal struck.
It has already claimed team manager Dave Ryan, brought Lewis Hamilton's relationship with the team to an all-time low, and reportedly paved the way to Ron Dennis walking away from all involvement in formula one.
But Whitmarsh, whose comments to a BBC reporter after the Australian grand prix will be probed by the World Motor Sport Council later this month, told reporters in Shanghai that McLaren's shareholders "graciously" rejected his offer to quit.
He refused to link Dennis' departure to the affair directly, but indicated it might lead to McLaren enjoying a better relationship with F1's ruling authorities.
"I think anyone who has looked at the relationship between McLaren and FIA over the last few years would have to conclude it would be healthier and more positive for all of us to have a more constructive relationship than we've had in the past," said Whitmarsh.
He also effectively ruled out reinstating Ryan, who has been characterised by the specialist press as a scapegoat.
"I think part of this process is that we show the FIA that we accept the seriousness of what has occurred and that we are working hard to change the culture of the business," said Whitmarsh.
photo:WRI2