Eric Boullier has departed his role as Team Principal of the Lotus Formula 1 outfit with immediate effect. Team owner and co-chairman Gérard Lopez will step into the position ahead of the 2014 season.

The development comes amid intense speculation over McLaren’s future Formula 1 plans. With Ron Dennis announcing his return as group CEO at the end of last week and making clear that there will be organisational changes in the coming months, Martin Whitmarsh is expected to be relieved of his Team Principal duties.

Boullier, who has guided Lotus to fourth position for the past two seasons, has been tipped to join McLaren.

Moving forward, Lopez will share responsibility for Enstone-based Lotus with co-chairman Andrew Ruhan.

“Lotus F1 Team has never stood still and we head into what promises to be an exciting 2014 season with an innovative new car, new partners and a new management structure at Enstone,” Lopez explained.

“Great things have been achieved over the past years and we need to continue this momentum.”

Lopez concluded with a tribute to Boullier, stating: “We thank Eric for all his hard work over the past four years and we are confident we can continue to fight as one of the top teams in Formula 1 over the seasons ahead.”

Lotus is planning to present its latest Formula 1 challenger, the E22, ahead of the second test in Bahrain.