McLaren Boss Eric Boullier Denies Fallout in Woking

McLaren racing director Eric Boullier has vehemently denied that there is “toxic atmosphere” within the team. He insisted that he will not resign from the team despite their underwhelming performance this season.

“This is obviously an internal matter so we need to discuss what we need to see internally, what’s going [on], why that individual is unhappy,” he said.

“When you have obviously 800 people… we have a lot of support from the workforce and from the engineering. I think it’s just a matter of a couple of people who are grumpy. Actually, in some way it’s maybe good for us because we have a lot of feedback and good feedback.”

“We are all responsible for the car performance,” Boullier said. “No I will not resign,” he added, pointing to his lengthy record in motor sport. “I’ve got my 20th year now in racing, I’ve won races and championships with every team I’ve managed before, including Formula One, so this is some record that you cannot take away from me.”

McLaren have already turned in a better performance this season. Having scored more points this year than they had at this stage 12 months ago. However their off-season switch from Honda to Renault power units has been less than what was expected.

“I think we’re on a journey,” said Boullier. “We are not where we want to be, we are not happy with where we are. But with the journey, with the new Renault engine partner, and obviously we have a good team of people, we just need to make sure we are finding the issues with the car and correct them.

“We know where the issues with the car are. When you build a car, when you believe in a concept, you have to develop the concept and make sure you correct if for the next one.”