Following weeks of bad reports and poor performances, Eric Boullier has stepped down as the racing director at McLaren in a surprising move on Wednesday.

The Frenchman has been the centre of attention with claims of unrest at Woking, including the infamous chocolate-gate story, but it is the lack of results with the British team struggling towards the back of the midfield that has ultimately cost him his place after four years.

Former Indy 500 winner Gil de Ferran, who joined the team as an advisor in recent months, will take over as sporting director, and in a statement put out by CEO Zak Brown, it would appear potential disenchantment at the lower levels has resulted in a high-level departure.

“The performance of the MCL33 in 2018 has not met the expectations of anyone at McLaren, especially our loyal fans," the American began.

"This is not the fault of the hundreds of committed and hard-working men and women at McLaren, the causes are systemic and structural, which require major change from within. With today’s announcement, we start to address those issues head-on and take the first step on our road to recovery.

“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the entire team to thank Eric for his service and contribution to McLaren and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

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As recently as the French GP, Boullier was confident his future at the British team was not under threat which is why this decision is somewhat out of the blue.

Nevertheless, in reflection, the former Lotus boss acknowledged change is needed.

“I am very proud to have worked with such a brilliant team over the past four years, but I recognise now is the right time for me to step down," he said.

“I want to wish everyone at McLaren the best for the remainder of the season and for the future."