He created the current McLaren International team in 1980 when he merged his own company, Project Four, with Team McLaren Limited.

Senna in winning form for McLaren

The outfit dominated Formula One in the 1980s and at either end of the 1990s, with four consecutive constructor's titles during its golden years.

McLaren has consistently drawn the greatest drivers, providing seats for F1 heroes like Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Mika Hakkinen.

Hakkinen has provided Dennis's team with a world champion for the last two seasons, and such is the strength in depth at McLaren that David Coulthard has taken over from the Finn in pressing Michael Schumacher of Ferrari for this year's top spot.

Since Dennis created the Woking-based team, it has taken eight constructors' titles and 11 drivers' championships.

The honour comes before an important McLaren landmark, with the team racing in its 500th Grand Prix in Canada on Sunday.

Dennis, now chairman and chief executive officer of the TAG McLaren Group, is currently engaged in building a new team engineering headquarters in Surrey.

His other achievements include leading McLaren to victory in the Le Mans 24-hour race at the first attempt, while McLaren Cars manufacture the immensely prestigious and hugely expensive F1 sports car.

McLaren's close relationship with German car giant Mercedes has also had a formative influence on the SLR car project.