Eric Boullier is set to take over as team principal of McLaren according to reports, following the announcement that the Frenchman has resigned from Lotus with immediate effect.
Much speculation has surrounded the identity of McLaren’s new leader after Ron Dennis was re-appointed CEO and made it clear that Martin Whitmarsh would be replaced in the coming weeks after a disappointing 2013 campaign.
Rumour suggested Ross Brawn or Sam Michael were the two most likely candidates, but with news of Boullier’s resignation, he is now favourite to take up the role.
Boullier has impressed since he took over Lotus despite budget and management concerns and is therefore highly regarded.
As for Lotus, co-owner Gerard Lopez will replace Boullier as team principal, sharing the responsibility with co-chairman Andrew Ruhan who recently took a minority stake in the team.
Lopez thanked Boullier for his work at Lotus and insisted Lotus’s upward trend would continue.
“Lotus F1 Team has never stood still and we head into what promises to be an exciting 2014 season with an innovative new car, new partners and a new management structure at Enstone.
“Great things have been achieved over the past years and we need to continue this momentum.
“We thank Eric for all his hard work over the past four years and we are confident we can continue to fight as one of the top teams in Formula 1 over the seasons ahead.”
