F1 news: McLaren makes HUGE management change following Fernando Alonso criticism

The British manufacturer have made a disappointing start to the season as Alonso finished fifth in Australia and seventh in Bahrain.

McLaren had hoped to be challenging the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull more closely this term.

But they have now been forced to rethink their strategy as executive director Zak Brown has now been put in formal charge with a new title of chief executive officer.

Racing director Eric Boullier now reports directly to Brown.

The change means that Brown is now directly involved in on-track performances and decisions in the hope to ease pressure on Boullier.

McLaren chairman Sheikh Mohammed confirmed the restructuring of the boardroom.

He said: "The work of the past year at a corporate level has been focused on structuring and positioning McLaren for growth.

"These latest developments are a natural consequence of that work and are designed to bring greater simplicity and clarity to the structure and leadership of the group."

Following Alonso’s disappointing result in Bahrain he struggled to pin-point where his car has gone wrong.

"Probably a little bit everywhere,” he said.

“We are not the strongest on the top speed.

“Braking performance was also not great today. Traction.

“We struggled a little bit too much today."