McLaren: Boullier leaves his post as sporting director

McLaren took radical action over its lack of performance in 2018 despite switching to engine manufacturer Renault which replaced Honda. As we mentioned to you in issue n°2171 of AUTOhebdo, the British team has confirmed the departure of Éric Boullier as sporting director. The Frenchman will be replaced by Gil de Ferran, double CART champion in 2000 and 2001 and winner of the 2003 edition of the Indianapolis 500 but who was never able to reach the F1.

“The performance of the MCL33 did not meet our expectations at McLaren and even more so among our fans, comments McLaren Racing director Zak Brown. This is not the fault of the hundreds of hard-working and dedicated men and women at McLaren. The causes are widespread and structural, requiring major changes. With this announcement, we begin to address these issues and begin the first chapter of our recovery. »

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Eric on behalf of the entire team for his service and contribution to McLaren and we wish him the best for his future”, adds Zak Brown.

The departure of Éric Boullier is not the only change made within McLaren's technical organization. McLaren Racing chief operating officer Simon Roberts will also oversee production, engineering and logistics. Andrea Stella has been appointed performance director, now responsible for on-track operations.

“These changes are the start of a program of positive changes to the technical direction of the organization at McLaren. The team will invest in retaining and attracting the best talent, both internally and externally, to put McLaren Racing back at the forefront.", specifies the press release from the British manufacturer.