Force India woke McLaren up in 2014, says Eric Boullier

New Delhi: Eric Boullier concedes that Force India's strong showing in 2014 Formula One season served as a “wake-up call” for his team McLaren.

Talking to AUTOSPORT, McLaren racing director said, "Being behind Force India was a concern and a wake-up call for everybody."

After starting the season on a rousing note in Australia, where both Kevin Magnussen and former champion Jenson Button registered double podium finishes, the Woking-based team faltered in Behrain, China and Spain. By the end of fifth race in Catalunya, the Indian team had taken a 14-point lead in the fight for fifth position in the Constructors' Championship.

Boullier claimed that they failed to catch-up with other teams despite being powered by the best engine. Both McLaren and Force India have had Mercedes engines, like the championship winning German livery.

"We were not exactly on the same playing field as Mercedes, but we can't complain as we had the best engine... It's easier when you know your downforce and windtunnel is not working (and) you've found the problem with your car,” said Boullier.

Then, the British team produced a series of consistent performances in the following 14 races to finish the season in a creditable fifth position. Force India could managed only 155 points, 26 points behind McLaren's total.