While a number of team principals have been linked with the job in the past – including Red Bull's Christian Horner – Dennis feels that the sport would be better off looking for someone who does not have vested interests with one team.

Ecclestone himself assumed the role after famously running the Brabham outfit.

When asked if he would want to the job to lead F1 for himself, Dennis said: "I don't think it is great to see senior members of racing teams cross the line.

"I don't think it looks right and it doesn't sit well. So, for that reason, I don't think it would be a particularly good idea.

"I think impartiality is something you can say is difficult to say and achieve, and that applies to every position – either FIA or FOM.

"So I would be flattered to be asked. I doubt I would be asked, but I would decline.

"I have my sights set very firmly on a variety of things that I want to do in the latter part of my business career."