Eric Bouiller leaves Lotus to help McLaren bloom again

Eric Boullier has been appointed to the newly created role of racing director at McLaren-Mercedes.

Boullier resigned from his post as team principal of Lotus this past Friday to take the position with the British team.

The Frenchman’s appointment is part of a new management structure at the Woking-based team, constructed after Ron Dennis’s recent internal coup in which he ousted Martin Whitmarsh as McLaren Group’s chief executive officer.

No mention has since been made of Whitmarsh in any capacity, but it is clear his days as team principal – as well as the role itself at McLaren – are at an end after they endured their worst season in F1 since 1980 in 2013 as they failed to score a podium finish in any of the 19 races.

This had come on the back of a successful 2012 season, which had seen the team win seven times, including the last two races of the season. But they failed to build on their momentum as drivers Jenson Button and Sergio Perez struggled for pace.

Boullier, who is to start work with the team on Monday, will report to the chief executive of McLaren Racing – another new position yet to be filled – who in turn will report to Dennis.

Jonathan Neale, the current chief operating officer, will take on the role of McLaren Racing chief executive on a short-term basis.

Explaining the new format, Dennis said: “Eric’s appointment is an integral part of a senior management restructure within McLaren Racing.

“I’ve already personally conveyed to the entire workforce of the McLaren Group, which includes McLaren Racing, the values, principles and mindset I intend us all to adopt, going forward.

“My intention is that from now on everyone at McLaren Racing will understand their responsibilities and accountabilities, focusing on their specific areas of expertise, in keeping with those values, principles and mindset.”

Boullier said his appointment was “an honour, a privilege and a wonderful opportunity” as he looks to help the team win a first drivers’ title since 2008 and a first constructors’ crown since 1998 this season.

Boullier, 40, added: “The McLaren Racing workforce and the facilities at the McLaren Technology Centre are world-class, and I’m hugely excited about the prospect of joining such an outstanding team.

“I’m both eager and determined to play an active part, working alongside McLaren Racing’s other senior managers and directors, within a new operational structure, to bring about the changes that will deliver success.”