Eric Boullier shocked the F1 paddock this morning announcing that he had left Lotus F1 Team with immediate effect. This news came out just before McLaren launched their 2014 challenger. Strangely Lotus suddenly released images of their 2014 car and sent a sarcastic tweet out directed at Boullier and oddly McLaren. Many in the the world of Formula One strongly suspect that Boullier will be making the move to McLaren as doubts about Martin Whitmarsh's future as team principle at McLaren reach their peak. This departure comes as a massive blow to Lotus whom have lost some key people in the last 12 months, most notably James Allison and Kimi Raikkonen and with the departure so close to the start of the season. However for McLaren Boullier would be a great signing who has worked incredibly hard to keep Lotus on the grid in 2013 and 2014, with Lotus having server money issues which came out when Kimi Raikkonen said that he hadn't been paid a single Euro for the whole of 2013. This along with the signing of Pastor Maldonado over Nico Hulkenberg.
Formula One has had its first of many crazy days in 2014. Today Red Bull announced the launch date for their title defending car (28.01.2014). Lotus Tweeted saying "the #E22 has passed all the homologation tests." This was shortly followed by the news that Bernie Ecclestone is stepping down from the Formula One board but will continue to run the sport on a day to day basis. This is due to Ecclestone's High Court appearance where he is charged with black mail. 4 hours later the incredible news broke that Ron Dennis will return to CEO at McLaren to be tasked with "Improving our on track and off track performance". This news hints that current under pressure Team Principle Martin Whitmarsh could be on his way out of McLaren. But earlier in the morning Pirelli announced that they had been given a new 3 year contract with F1 approved by the F.I.A.. All this kick starts the 2014 season in style!
Date Venue
28 January Jerez 29 January Jerez 30 January Jerez 31 January Jerez 19 February Bahrain 20 February Bahrain 21 February Bahrain 22 February Bahrain 23 February Bahrain 24 February Bahrain 25 February Bahrain 26 February Bahrain 27 February Bahrain 28 February Bahrain 1 March Bahrain 2 March Bahrain |