Christian Horner says losing Ron Dennis would be a "great loss" for Formula 1, amid rumours the Briton could be ousted as chairman of McLaren at the end of the year.
It has been reported that McLaren's Bahraini shareholders as well as Mansoor Ojjeh – combined they control 75 per cent of McLaren – are unhappy with how the F1 team is being run and believe Dennis should ultimately be held responsible as chairman.
Although McLaren have denied the claims, Red Bull's Horner believes the team would miss Dennis' guidance, whilst the sport would also suffer.
"I only have the utmost respect for Ron," Horner told Sky Sports News. "We've gone head-to-head and fought over sponsors, engineers, drivers, whatever, but he's always played fair.
"It would be a great loss if he's not involved, certainly for McLaren and also Formula 1."
Although McLaren are going through a difficult period, they remain one of the sport's most successful outfits, with much of that success coming with Dennis at the helm.
"What he has achieved in Formula 1 is quite remarkable," added Horner. "What he has built McLaren into is an example to us all.
"He's a passionate man and he argues for the right things for Formula 1, sometimes to the detriment of his own team."
