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McLaren Racing is founded by Bruce McLaren
Bruce McLaren, a talented New Zealand driver and engineer, founded Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Limited. At just 26 years old, he was already a Grand Prix winner and envisioned building a team that combined technical innovation and competitive driving. The team initially focused on Can-Am sports car racing, achieving considerable success. “Bruce McLaren.” Mclaren.com, 2024, www.mclaren.com/racing/heritage/bruce-mclaren. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024. -
McLaren debuts in Formula 1
Bruce McLaren entered the Formula 1 World Championship as both a driver and team owner. The team's first F1 car, the McLaren M2B, debuted at the Monaco Grand Prix. Despite limited resources, the team showed promise, laying the groundwork for future success. “Bruce McLaren.” Mclaren.com, 2024, www.mclaren.com/racing/heritage/bruce-mclaren. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024. -
McLaren secures its first F1 victory at the Belgian Grand Prix
Bruce McLaren drove the M7A to victory at Spa-Francorchamps, marking the team’s first Formula 1 win. This historic moment established McLaren as a competitive force in the sport. “Bruce McLaren.” Mclaren.com, 2024, www.mclaren.com/racing/heritage/bruce-mclaren. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024. -
McLaren wins its first Constructors' and Drivers' Championships with Emerson Fiittipaldi
Brazilian driver Emerson Fittipaldi, a former world champion, joined McLaren and delivered immediate success. Driving the McLaren M23, Fittipaldi claimed the Drivers' Championship, and the team secured the Constructors’ Championship for the first time. “Honours.” Www.mclaren.com, www.mclaren.com/racing/heritage/honours/. -
Ron Dennis Joins McLaren, transforming it into a powerhouse team
Ron Dennis merged his Formula 2 team, Project Four Racing, with McLaren. His leadership brought a new level of professionalism and technical expertise. Dennis was pivotal in elevating McLaren to one of F1’s dominant teams. (motorsport.com/f1/news/ron-dennis-took-control-mclaren) -
McLaren dominates season winning 15 of 16 races with Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna
The MP4/4, powered by Honda, became one of the most successful F1 cars ever. Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, two legendary drivers, formed an intense rivalry but delivered a season of unparalleled dominance. Senna won the Drivers' Championship. “Racing.” Honda.co.uk, 2015, honda.co.uk/cars/world-of-honda/past/racing. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024. -
McLaren begins its legendary Honda partenership
McLaren teamed up with Honda, whose powerful engines complemented the team’s cutting-edge chassis designs. This collaboration marked the start of a golden era, as McLaren became the dominant force in Formula 1. “Racing.” Honda.co.uk, 2015, honda.co.uk/cars/world-of-honda/past/racing. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024. -
Ayrton Senna has his final season with McLaren
Although the team faced increasing competition, Senna’s brilliance shone through. He won five races, including a stunning victory in the rain-soaked European Grand Prix at Donington Park, before leaving McLaren for Williams at the end of the season. (mclaren.com/racing/heritage/honours) -
McLaren wins the Constructors' and Drivers' Championships with Mika Hakkinen
The team, now powered by Mercedes engines, returned to glory with the MP4/13. Mika Häkkinen claimed his first Drivers' Championship, and McLaren also secured the Constructors' title, marking a resurgence for the team. “Honours.” Www.mclaren.com, www.mclaren.com/racing/heritage/honours/. -
McLaren signs Lewis Hamilton, marking the start of a new era
Lewis Hamilton, a young British driver and McLaren protégé, joined the team as a rookie. He impressed immediately, finishing as runner-up in his debut season and narrowly missing out on the championship in a dramatic finale. (sportstar.thehindu.com/motorsport/f1/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-farewell-mclaren-debut-season-drivers-titles-records-race-wins-podiums) -
Lewis Hamilton wins the Drivers' Championship with McLaren
In one of the most thrilling F1 seasons, Hamilton claimed the title in the final race at Interlagos, overtaking on the last lap to secure the championship by a single point. He became the youngest F1 champion at the time. “Honours.” Www.mclaren.com, www.mclaren.com/racing/heritage/honours/. -
McLaren partners with Mercedes again, aiming for a return to glory
McLaren and Mercedes rekindled their partnership, focusing on technical innovations. The MP4-25 introduced the F-duct system, providing a competitive edge. Drivers Jenson Button and Hamilton both contended for the championship. “The Origins of the McLaren-Mercedes Collaboration.” F1rstmotors.com, f1rstmotors.com/news/the-origins-of-the-mc-laren-mercedes-collaboration. -
McLaren enters troubled partnership with Honda, experiencing performance struggles
McLaren reunited with Honda, hoping to replicate past successes. However, the hybrid power units lacked performance and reliability, leading to several disappointing seasons and strained relations between the two entities. Smith, Fred. “Honda and McLaren May Be Exploring Another Formula 1 Reunion.” Road Track, 11 Feb. 2023, roadandtrack.com/news/a42835530/honda-and-mclaren-may-be-exploring-another-formula-1-reunion. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024. -
McLaren switches to Renault engines, beginning a rebuilding phase
After ending its partnership with Honda, McLaren partnered with Renault. The team focused on restructuring its leadership and engineering teams, laying the foundation for a return to competitiveness. Hardy, Ed. “Renault F1 Engine: The History of Its Power Units in Formula 1.” Autosport.com, Autosport, 2 Oct. 2024, autosport.com/f1/news/renault-f1-engine-the-history-of-its-power-units-in-formula-1. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024. -
McLaren achieves its first race victory since 2012 at the Italian Grand Prix with Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo led a 1-2 finish at Monza, with teammate Lando Norris in second. This marked McLaren’s long-awaited return to the top step of the podium and solidified the team’s resurgence as a strong midfield contender. “McLaren - Year by Year | Formula 1®.” Formula1.com, 2024, www.formula1.com/en/information/mclaren-year-by-year.6Gj22qyOorq5dpniarY3rP.