Emotional Dennis shuns champagne shower

(GMM) An emotional Ron Dennis on Sunday said he did not mount the podium to share the plaudits for Lewis Hamilton's maiden victory because he needed a "quiet moment" to take in the occasion.

Instead, McLaren boss Dennis' deputy Martin Whitmarsh joined the champagne shower, while Dennis fought back tears during an interview with the German broadcaster Premiere.

"I am pleased for the entire team, but particularly for Lewis' family," Dennis said in Montreal.

To Hamilton's devoted father and manager Anthony, Ron directed this message: "You have a very special son."

Dennis also pushed some gentle criticism in the direction of the FIA's new safety car rules, where the pit lane is initially closed, because he said it "destroyed" former championship leader Fernando Alonso's race.