Boullier in angry exchange with 'Freddo' journalist

Eric Boullier has struck back at suggestions he is not fit to continue in his role at McLaren due to the reported staff revolt, and during his preparations for the French Grand Prix he got involved in a heated exchange to the journalist who broke the story involving the use of Freddo bars as bonuses.

An anonymous staff member at McLaren recently spoke to Jonathan McEvoy of the Daily Mail about the "toxic" atmosphere behind the scenes within the team, and suggested that the senior management, including Boullier, commanded no respect.

Boullier has shot down these claims, however.

"That's a good question," Boullier responded when asked if he felt responsible for the team's disappointing current performance.

"Obviously, we are all responsible for the car performance. No, I will not resign, to answer your question. I know you have written some articles.

"I've got my twentieth 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.

"I think we're on a journey. 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, and make sure... 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."

McEvoy then brought up the subject of the Freddo chocolate bars being used as incentives for employees - some of whom had been working day and night.

"To go back to the Freddo thing, will you be reviewing how you hand out Freddos at the factory?" asked McEvoy. "Will you stick with the Freddo rewards or do they stop?"

Boullier repled: "I think if you did a course in management we can organise this for you. And if you're really desperate to test the Freddo chocolate, we can send a box to you, don't worry."

This is when things turned sour for the pair, as McEvoy continued to probe for answers, which Boullier took umbrage to.

"Thank you. Thank you for that offer," McEvoy continued. "Could I just say..."

"That's enough of it," snapped Boullier. "You're looking after something, we will give you any answers later but I think it's enough.

"No, no, it's not enough," McEvoy insisted. "Do you expect to still be in your job at Silverstone?"

"Yes. Of course," the McLaren boss replied. "It's a journey. It's not a plug and play story. It's a journey when you have to work too. You're after me, apparently...

"But you're being briefed against, by your own staff, by your management..." said McAvoy, again probing for more information.

"I think you are lying now," Boullier finished.

FIA's communications director, Matteo Bonciani, then stepped in to end the verbal sparring.