Struggling McLaren-Honda Formula 1 team fears revenue blow
McLaren racing director Eric Boullier feels the Formula 1 team's parlous state on track could soon have a severe impact on revenue off it if the situation fails to improve
Amid the problems faced by McLaren this year in its renewed partnership with engine supplier Honda, the team is currently languishing in ninth place in the constructors' championship.
If McLaren does not move up the standings, then based on the figures from last year when the team finished fifth, such a fall would represent a loss of $15million in prize money.
Boullier is also aware McLaren - which has been without a title sponsor since the end of 2013 - may either lose further sponsors, or fail to attract new partners should results continue to prove elusive.
"In terms of sales and revenue, if we can't finish in the same position as we did last year there is going to be a direct loss in terms of revenue because the business is driven by being in the sport," said Boullier.
"If we can't find and bring in new sponsors then there is obviously going to be damage, which you can't quantify in millions or whatever.
"But it will be more difficult to bring sponsors in if we don't show we are a team on the move and get into the points quickly."
Speculation suggests the loss of revenue could yet impact on McLaren's ability to retain Jenson Button for next season.
The team has an option on the 2009 world champion's contract, with Boullier recently remarking the team "intends" to keep the veteran.
McLaren, however, does have cheaper options waiting in the wings in reserve Kevin Magnussen and GP2 champion-elect Stoffel Vandoorne.
In terms of McLaren's image, and the overall brand, Boullier would like to believe no damage has been done by what has unfolded this year - at least not so far.
"It's a difficult question," replied Boullier when the point was made to the Frenchman.
"I'm not in charge of the commercial side of the company, so you should ask Ron [Dennis, McLaren CEO] rather than me.
"If I may give you a short answer - the brand itself I'm not sure has been damaged yet.
"McLaren has such a strong record over many, many years, so I don't think there is direct damage in terms of the brand itself."
Previous article
Mercedes should have paid tyre penalty
Next article
Ferrari reserve driver will get one Haas Formula 1 team seat
The squandered potential of a 70s F1 underdog
A podium finisher in its first outing but then never again, the BRM P201 was a classic case of an opportunity squandered by disorganisation and complacency, says STUART CODLING
The other notable Monza escape that F1 should learn from
OPINION: The headlines were dominated by the Italian Grand Prix crash between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who had the halo to thank for avoiding potentially serious injury. But two days earlier, Formula 1 had a lucky escape with a Monza pitlane incident that could also have had grave consequences
How Monza only added more questions to F1's sprint race conundrum
With two sprint races under its belt, Formula 1 must now consider its options for them going forward. While they've helped deliver exciting racing on Sundays, the sprints themselves have been somewhat lacking - creating yet another conundrum for F1 to solve...
Who should Alfa Romeo sign for 2022's F1 season?
OPINION: With Valtteri Bottas already signed up for 2022, all eyes are on the race for the second seat at Alfa Romeo next year. Antonio Giovinazzi is the current incumbent, but faces a tough competition from appealing short and long-term prospects
The "forced break" that was key to Ricciardo's Monza excellence
OPINION: Daniel Ricciardo has long been considered one of Formula 1’s elite drivers. But his struggles at McLaren since switching from Renault for 2021 have been painful to watch at times. Yet he’s recovered to banish those memories with a famous Monza win – built on a critically important foundation
How Verstappen is ruining his F1 title battle with Hamilton
OPINION: The Italian GP clash between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen followed a running theme in the 2021 Formula 1 title fight. Their close-quarters battles have often resulted in contact - and although Hamilton has shown a willingness to back off, Verstappen must learn to temper his aggression
Italian Grand Prix Driver Ratings
Two drivers produced maximum-score performances as, for the second year in a row, Monza threw up an unpredictable result that left several others ruing what might have been
Why Ricciardo was set for Monza F1 triumph even without Verstappen/Hamilton crash
The clash between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton was the major flashpoint the 2021 Italian Grand Prix will be remembered for. Yet by this point, race leader Daniel Ricciardo had already done the hard work that would put him in position to end his and McLaren's lengthy win droughts, on a memorable afternoon in Monza
