McLaren – Boullier: One goal, the championship
Appointed as race director for McLaren, Eric Boullier is preparing to experience his first season with the historic British team.
Director of the team based in Enstone (Renault then Lotus) between 2009 and 2013, Eric Boullier experienced a meteoric rise in F1 this season, finding himself at the helm of a McLaren team struggling for results after a failed 2013 season. Present in Bahrain for his return and interviewed by Sky Sports, the former manager and boss of Romain Grosjean reflected on his beginnings and his role with the “Greys”.
When asked about how he experienced his arrival at McLaren after a challenging season for the British team, the Frenchman believes that things have been excellent so far, before adding: “It’s true that morale could have been a bit low because of last season’s results, but there is a lot of competitiveness at McLaren, and everyone is very, very eager to bounce back.”
Eric Boullier confirms that his role as race director at McLaren is, in fact, similar to that of a team principal: « It’s definitely a team principal role on the track and off, let’s say I have to focus more on the team’s performance. »
For him, the fact that he’s overseen by a future McLaren Racing director is not a problem: « Times have changed, and you can’t have a team principal acting alone today. I think teams are growing, and you need to share organizational responsibilities to ensure you get the best out of it. This is what I discussed and what Ron [Dennis] wanted to implement. » Ron Dennis, recently appointed head of the McLaren Group, made his first decision to recruit Eric Boullier, who effectively replaces Martin Whitmarsh, who had been team principal since 2009.
Regarding the Bahrain tests, E. Boullier aims to be a perfectionist, and when asked if McLaren is where it should be, the Frenchman replies: « If I said “yes,” I would be lying because you can never be happy. [Yesterday] morning, we were stuck in the garage a bit too long, but we must say that we are pleased with the reliability of our car. Obviously, we are now looking for mileage. » However, he refuses to speculate: « It’s too early to talk. Tests are tests, not everyone brings their complete package—we haven’t either—so let’s wait. »
Kevin Magnussen, the young Dane promoted by McLaren this season, impresses observers. He also set the fastest time on the second day of testing on the Sakhir circuit. McLaren’s race director is also rather positive: He’s a fresh face, so everyone is watching what he does. He’s very quick over one lap and has been consistent, and he fits well into the team. Clearly, he’s one to watch for the future.
For McLaren, the goal will be clear: « There is only one objective we will accept, and that is to fight for victory and the championship. So, we will do our best. » As a reminder, McLaren is coming off a weak season in terms of results, as the team from Woking did not achieve a single podium finish, a first since 1980.
