Living life big is often the prerogative of influential people. Ron Dennis did that. He commanded respect and earned it. He built McLaren into the world-class potentially-champion team that it is. And it is indeed shocking when he says that the demands of doing this have become disproportionate to the rewards. Spygate could have been avoided, but he let it happen. And last year, that came to haunt him.

It is indeed understandable when people who are passionate about something often ignore other aspects of their life. Dennis’ ambition and fervour to win the F1 titles (driver and constructor) affected his personal life. So much so, that his wife of 22 years left him. And finally, the demands of the sport and his team have worn him down. His decision to step down as the team principal of McLaren is indeed a shock and could not have been timed worse.

There is much talk that this announcement (expected formally any time) would not affect McLaren’s or Hamilton’s chances in 2008. Perhaps Dennis has left such brilliant systems in place that without him, his experience and expertise, McLaren can indeed continue to be regarded the best. But he cannot control other teams. He cannot control how other team will perceive his departure and use it against his team. With two rookie drivers, McLaren is not exactly capable of going on autopilot. Mind you, we are not questioning the capability of Martin Whitmarsh, the man widely tipped to take over. But the implications could indeed be grave.

Although Dennis will be away from the track, he will continue to have an interest in how the team does. He holds a controlling stake in the team and it will remain to take up a large chunk of his time.

The biggest question will be surrounding Lewis Hamilton and his chances for the title. Hamilton has known Whitmarsh since McLaren took him in! But his relationship with Dennis has been nothing short of a father-son one. Will he be able to accept someone else in that place? Whitmarsh has said that Lewis will continue to work his usual group of people. But the guiding force not being there would definitely affect.

For Whitmarsh’s part, he has clarified that he has nothing to do with Dennis’ decision. “There's no pressure either on me or from me. I've been at McLaren for 19 years and am incredibly patient. Nor do I intend to be the Judas who knifed Ron in the back,” he is quoted as saying by The Guardian.

While Dennis may have made some enemies during the entire spygate scandal including the team’s main sponsors Mercedes, one man who still backs Dennis is former McLaren man Jo Ramirez. “Without Ron Dennis, McLaren will be doomed,” said Ramirez in Austria’s Rally and More magazine. “Whitmarsh is a good man - but a hundred Martin Whitmarshes could not replace Ron. If he does go, it will be very bad for the team,” added Ramirez emphasising the impact and hold Dennis has on the Woking-based team.

2007 was to be the year when McLaren rose from the ashes. Unfortunately, they dug a big hole for themselves. And the focus therefore shifted on 2008. If pre-season testing and form are anything to go by, McLaren are indeed the team that are best equipped to challenge and indeed beat Ferrari. But the change of leadership could well be the decider and McLaren’s challenge could be over before it begins.

Dennis’ move could also be a big fillip to other teams including BMW and Renault who are snapping at the heels of the top two. With more experience and skill in leading a team on their sides, these two teams could mount a serious challenge that could further deepen the problem for McLaren.

What the ongoing incidents do tell us is that Dennis wasn’t fired, hasn’t been asked to leave and will be still involved in the team’s future. It also tells us that a lot of strife could be headed McLaren’s way if Dennis does indeed formally resign as he is expected to.