Lewis Hamilton has vowed to continue to make Ron Dennis proud as McLaren attempt to rebuild in the wake of his departure.

Dennis ended his 43-year career in Formula One last week when he stood down as chairman of McLaren Racing.

Although there have been strong rumours of the relationship between Dennis and the Hamiltons, Lewis and father Anthony, becoming strained of late in the wake of the Liegate' saga, the 24-year-old appreciates how much he has to thank his former mentor for.

“Ron is an incredible man and we all owe him more than we could ever repay him for building this great team,” said Hamilton (right). “Both my family and I are going to do our best to continue the progress we have made over the past two seasons with the team and hope we can continue to make him proud of having invested in me.

“I was 12 when I first met Ron and, without his vision, I would not be here. I'll never forget, and neither will my family.”

In his new role as chairman of McLaren Automotive, Dennis will concentrate his energies on launching a new range of road-going sports cars in 2011.

“Ron's decision to focus solely on the automotive side must have been tough, but I wish him the very best,” added Hamilton.

“Not that he'll need it — everything he touches turns to gold — well, normally! But seriously, Ron's departure brings with it an opportunity for change.

“I firmly believe under team principal Martin Whitmarsh and our new chairman Richard Lapthorne, and with Mercedes-Benz, we have great potential.”