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."
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