This Bizarre Lotus Is Further Proof The 2014 F1 Grid Will Be U.G.L.Y

Image source: Lotus F1 Team

Just as McLaren were taking the covers off their MP4-29, Lotus decided to try and steal the spotlight by sharing the first images of its 2014 challenger: the E22.

The car, which will be absent from the first test, debuts a new livery design and - more strikingly - a bizarre two-part nose tip, with the right-hand tip longer than the left. So not only do we have double points in some races this year, but he have a double nose as well...

Image source: Lotus F1 Team

However, the rendering reveal took place just hours after the announcement that Eric Boullier has left the team with immediate effect. The Frenchman will be replaced as team principal by co-chairman Gerard Lopez. He is being strongly linked with a move to McLaren to replace Martin Whitmarsh, following the team's dismal 2013 campaign.

With Lotus' financial difficulties being well-documented and having lost a considerable number of team members, can Lopez help steer this sinking ship to safety?