Whitmarsh: Hamilton committed to team

Ron Dennis stepped down from his remaining roles with the Formula 1 team today, amid newspaper reports that his relationship with the Hamilton family had broken down over the Melbourne stewards' hearing affair.

Whitmarsh denied that this was the case.

"I haven't asked Lewis what his relationship is with Ron, but I don't think it's quite as you're characterising it," he said.

"I told Lewis half an hour ago what was happening. I think he naturally has a certain amount of affection for Ron. We all do. I didn't detect any different human reactions other than what I would have expected from someone who has known Ron as long as Lewis has known Ron."

In his press conference at McLaren's headquarters today, Dennis described Hamilton as being 'like family' to him.

"I am very fond of Lewis," he said. "Like all families there are times when things are not perfect and we have to support each other."

Whitmarsh is confident that the team still has Hamilton's full support.

"I think he has certainly expressed his support for this team consistently, and he has very kindly expressed his support for me," he said.

"I think and I hope that I have a good relationship with Lewis and I think he is committed just as we are to restoring the good fortunes and competitiveness of this team in the future."