Boullier defends position after slow McLaren start

Eric Boullier has come out to defend his position as team principal of McLaren, as the team is not meeting the expectations that were set for them before the season started.

McLaren switched to Renault as their engine partner after three years with Honda, and were expected to make a significant leap in the standings and become best of the rest behind the so-called 'Big Three'. Although performances have definitely improved, there's still a lot to be desired, as the team made it into Q3 once with one car (Fernando Alonso). 

Purely on pace, McLaren are around the sixth fastest car behind the Big Three, Haas and Renault. Behind the scenes, things don't seem to go that well either, as technical director Tim Goss suddenly left the team.

"I don't want to comment much on how we operate," Boullier said in Barcelona.

"It's normal that a team constantly looks how to improve and how to be more efficient, and people expect a lot from McLaren."

When it comes to his own position, Boullier has no doubt that he's still the man for the job.

"I've won with all teams on all levels," he said.

"I think I know my craft.

"We need strong leaders on every level with quick communication, efficiency and flexibility.

"We have to make sure now to deliver good results."

Should Boullier go? Or is he the right man to steer McLaren back into relevancy these coming years? Let us know in the comments!