Former McLaren boss Ron Dennis has revealed that he still watches Formula 1 races — but with the TV commentary muted.
Dennis, who was ousted from his leadership and ownership role at McLaren in late 2016, used part of his reported $350 million exit payout to purchase a lavish estate on the River Thames in Berkshire.
Now 77, he told The Times that he has no plans to return to the sport he helped shape.
"You can imagine I've got children and grandchildren, and they're pestering me about going (to a race)," said Dennis. "I will arrange it for them but I won't go.
"People are polite, they will sit you down, they will give you a coffee, but you've got nothing to offer," he continued. "You are a spare part and I would never want to be in that position. I've got better things to do."
While those "better things" include business ventures and philanthropy, Dennis confessed he still tunes in on Sundays to watch the grands prix.
However, he added: "I always turn the sound off, as I know too much about it to want to listen to the rubbish that some of these commentators come out with.
"I watch for the purity of the race," Dennis explained. "I do love sport, still love watching grands prix."
Sky Sports currently holds the UK broadcast rights for Formula 1, with coverage led by commentator David Croft and former McLaren driver Martin Brundle. Other regular on-air figures include Naomi Schiff, Bernie Collins, Ted Kravitz, and more.
