VODAFONE MCLAREN-MERCEDES

NEWS ARCHIVE

 

Jenson Button Joins Vodafone McLaren Mercedes November 18, 2009
 

Woking, UK, Wednesday 18th November 2009: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is delighted to announce the signing of the reigning World Champion Jenson Button to a multi-year deal. He will be partnered by 2008 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who will be embarking on his fourth consecutive season as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver.

This unique partnership will mark:
- The first time in Formula 1 history that a team has started the new season with a line-up featuring the most recent two successive World Champions
- The first pairing of two British World Champions since Graham Hill [1962, 1968] partnered Jim Clark [1963, 1965] at Lotus in 1968

Jenson Button
2009 Formula 1 World Champion
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes car #1
“It’s always a difficult decision to leave a team when you’ve been there for so long. But life is all about challenges – and, most important of all, it’s about challenging yourself. So, although I won the World Championship with Brawn GP last year, and I’ll never forget that, I was always adamant that I wanted to continue to set myself fresh challenges.

“So that’s why I’ve decided to join Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. You can’t help but be affected by this team’s phenomenal history. McLaren is one of the greats of world sport, and its achievements and list of past champions read like a Who’s Who of Formula 1 – Emerson Fittipaldi, James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen and of course my new team-mate Lewis Hamilton. I’ve followed the McLaren team ever since I was a small boy, and it feels unbelievable to finally be a part of it.

“When I visited the McLaren Technology Centre earlier this month, it wasn’t simply the technical resources and the incredible standards of excellence that impressed me. No, I was equally struck by the ambition, the motivation and the winning spirit that flow through everybody there. And then there’s the team’s epic history: put it this way, the trophy cabinets seem to stretch for miles.

“From a personal point of view, it’s also a great pleasure to be joining a fellow British World Champion. Lewis has achieved an incredible level of success in a very short period of time, and he’s a wonderfully gifted driver who has earned the respect of every Formula 1 driver. I’m sure there’s plenty that we can learn from each other, and I’m really looking forward to using our combined knowledge to push the team forward.

“Also, I think it’s fantastic that we’ll be forming an all-British line-up. I know that we both fly the flag with pride, and I sincerely hope we can make the whole of the United Kingdom, as well as Vodafone McLaren Mercedes fans across the world, proud. Nothing means more to me than to be able to represent my country, and I’m looking forward to both of us painting Formula 1’s circuits red, white and blue for many years to come.

“While I’m fully aware that there’s a tremendous amount of hard work ahead, I’m absolutely certain that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will be able to deliver where it matters: on track. I’m already looking forward to starting work with the engineers at the McLaren Technology Centre as we begin our preparations for the 2010 season – and the defence of my world championship. This is a team that always goes racing to win, and I’m looking forward to being part of that.

“Last but very far from least, I want to say that the 2009 season will always have a special place in my memory, and I’m absolutely sure that everybody at Brawn GP who worked so hard to achieve our World Championship successes feels exactly the same way about it. Equally, I want to thank the guys at Mercedes-Benz HighPerformanceEngines, without whom we’d never have been as competitive as we were. I’m so pleased that I’ll still be using their engines in 2010 and beyond.

“So I wish all my old Brawn GP mates well in their new Mercedes Grand Prix adventure, just as I hope they’ll wish me well in my new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes adventure.”

Lewis Hamilton
2008 Formula 1 World Champion
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes car #2
“It’s fantastic news that Jenson has decided to join Vodafone McLaren Mercedes – and I’m looking forward to working with him and our engineers to make sure we kick off the 2010 season with a car that’s competitive enough to win the World Championship – but I want to send my best wishes for the future to my 2008-09 team-mate and now good friend Heikki Kovalainen, who is one of the nicest human beings I’ve ever met.

“I already know Jenson, and we get on very well together. We both really want our team to succeed. Although we’ll be pushing each other hard, I’m sure we’ll very quickly establish a great working relationship. He’s an exceptional driver: very controlled and very smooth, and he has a real depth of knowledge and experience. I think we’ll complement each other very well, and our collaboration will make the team stronger as a result. Also, I’m delighted to be racing alongside a fellow British World Champion, and I believe we can pull together to make Vodafone McLaren Mercedes the best team on the grid.

“I’m sure Jenson has already started to appreciate our team’s unique culture and the special family atmosphere that makes it such an incredible place to live and work. We really are like one big family – and I’m sure Jenson will feel the warmth of that welcome from day one.

“Obviously, as a British driver, I’m also thrilled that we’ll be flying the flag for the United Kingdom, and I think today’s announcement is fantastic news for all British sports fans. I hope they’ll be giving us their full support when the season kicks off next March. I’m already looking forward to Silverstone – it’ll be massive!

“Looking ahead, I think the results from the second half of 2009 speak for themselves, and I’m convinced we can carry that momentum through the winter and into the new season. I’ve been closely following the development of our 2010 challenger, the MP4-25, and I think it’s going to be a state-of-the-art car that will enable both of us to consistently fight for victories.”

Martin Whitmarsh
Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
“Everybody at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is absolutely delighted to be able to welcome Jenson to our team. It has always been our policy to employ the two very best possible drivers – and, in Jenson and Lewis, we feel we not only have the fastest pairing on the 2010 grid, but also the two most complete, professional and dedicated drivers in Formula 1.

“Moreover, I’m confident that we’ll be able to successfully balance and harness Jenson’s and Lewis’s complementary skill-sets. Our engineers are already looking forward to working with Jenson, and I’m convinced that such a strong and dynamic driver line-up will make us an even more complete and competitive operation. Now we have to provide Jenson and Lewis with race-winning machinery.

“I want to make clear that Jenson’s decision to join us was in no way motivated by money. We’ll be paying him no more than he could be getting elsewhere, and that fact is a reflection of not only Jenson’s belief in Vodafone McLaren Mercedes but also his desire and ambition to build on the phenomenal results he achieved during the 2009 season.

“I also want to thank Heikki for his selfless contribution over the past two years. As well as being very quick, Heikki was and remains a great character whom we’ll all miss considerably. It goes without saying that we wish him all the best for next season, and would be very pleased if he were to secure a good drive for 2010.

“We’re ambitious, we’re motivated and we’re hungrier than ever. We make no secret of our ambition for next year: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes wants to win both World Championships – and, with Jenson and Lewis, we believe we’re better equipped than any other team in the pitlane to do exactly that.”

Jenson Button (GBR)
Date of birth: 19 January 1980 (29)
World championships: 1 (2009)
Wins: 7
Pole positions: 7
Points: 327
GP starts: 170

Lewis Hamilton (GBR)
Date of birth: 7 January 1985 (24)
World championships: 1 (2008)
Wins: 11
Pole positions: 17
Points: 256
GP starts: 52

 

McLaren And Mercedes Announce Realigned Alliance November 16, 2009
 

McLaren and Mercedes-Benz are delighted to announce a realigned long-term strategic alliance.

The agreement covers the next six Formula 1 seasons (2010-15) and also provides mechanisms whereby the partnership may continue beyond 2015.

The reaffirmation of the two companies’ commitment to each other is the result of many weeks of careful and co-operative discussion between the McLaren Group and Daimler AG (the parent companies of, respectively, McLaren Racing and Mercedes-Benz) and covers both parties’ continued involvement in the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 partnership as well as a shared intention to act in the overall best interests of the sport of Grand Prix racing. It also reflects the independent vision of both companies with regard to their automotive production strategies.

The realigned long-term strategic alliance is reflected in three principal resolutions, as follows:

Mercedes-Benz: to power McLaren’s Formula 1 cars until 2015
Having begun in 1995, the McLaren/Mercedes-Benz partnership is already one of the longest engine-supply associations in Formula 1 history; 2009 was its 15th consecutive year and 2015 will be its 21st consecutive year, by which time it will have become by some margin the longest such association in Formula 1 history. Both the McLaren Group and Daimler AG were therefore committed to securing its continuation as part of a realigned long-term strategic alliance, and to have provided mechanisms whereby the partnership may continue beyond 2015. The team will continue to be known as Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, its distinctive silver-with-red livery will remain unchanged, and Mercedes-Benz will continue as both an engine supplier and a partner.

McLaren Group: to purchase Daimler AG’s 40 per cent shareholding
In a transaction structured so as to be completed by 2011, the McLaren Group will undertake a phased purchase of the 40 per cent shareholding currently owned by Daimler AG. As a result, the McLaren Group will become a fully independent stand-alone corporate entity.

McLaren Automotive: spun out of the McLaren Group
The McLaren Group will continue as the parent company of McLaren Racing (and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes), McLaren Marketing, McLaren Electronic Systems, McLaren Applied Technologies and McLaren Electronics Inc (USA), focusing chiefly on Formula 1 and associated technologies, while McLaren Automotive has been spun out of the McLaren Group and from 2011 will begin to manufacture its own range of high-performance production sports cars, targeted to penetrate a series of meticulously-selected premium automotive market segments. As such, McLaren Automotive will continue to develop according to a robust business strategy that has been formulated with McLaren’s customary prudence and rigour. The McLaren Group and McLaren Automotive will continue to evolve in line with their respective business strategies, and may in time adopt slightly different shareholder groupings, but they will always share a common goal: to be the best in the world in their respective fields.

Ron Dennis (Executive Chairman, McLaren Automotive; Founding Shareholder, McLaren Group) said:
“This is a win-win situation, for both McLaren and Daimler.

“I’ve often stated that it’s my belief that, in order to survive and thrive in 21st-century Formula 1, a team must become much more than merely a team. That being the case, in order to develop and sustain the revenue streams required to compete and win Grands Prix and World Championships, companies that run Formula 1 teams must broaden the scope of their commercial activities.

“Nonetheless, all of our partners will of course continue to play a crucial role in our Formula 1 programme. For that reason, and because the engines they produce are very competitive, we’re delighted that Mercedes-Benz has committed to continue not only as an engine supplier but also as a partner of ours until 2015 – and perhaps thereafter.

“The next few years will be a very exciting time for McLaren, during which period we intend to become an ever-stronger technological and economic force. Formula 1 will always be a core activity, for sound business reasons as well as for historical sporting reasons: to be clear, our Formula 1 business has traditionally enjoyed great financial security, largely as a consequence of the longevity of our contracts with our partners, many of which have exceeded 15 years of continuous involvement with McLaren. Indeed, two of our partners have been with us for more than 25 years.

“We’re risk-averse by design. Over the past two years we’ve analysed in great detail the challenge of entering the high-performance production sports car market. In the MP4-12C, which will be introduced to market in 2011, we have a car that has inherited the genes of the iconic McLaren F1 of 1994 and has already been the subject of much global media acclaim. It is proposed that it will be produced in a new state-of-the-art production facility adjacent to the existing award-winning McLaren Technology Centre at Woking [Surrey, UK].”

 

McLaren Attends FIA World Motor Sport Council Hearing April 29, 2009
 

This morning the FIA World Motor Sport Council met in Paris to discuss a number of subjects including issues related to events that took place at the Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix.

The FIA World Motor Sport Council members heard from Martin Whitmarsh (Team Principal) and have issued the following statement:

"Having regard to the open and honest way in which McLaren Team Principal, Mr Martin Whitmarsh, addressed the WMSC, and the change in culture which he made clear has taken place in his organisation, the WMSC decided to suspend the application of the penalty it deems appropriate. The penalty is a suspension of the team from three races of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. This will only be applied if further facts emerge regarding the case or if, in the next 12 months, there is a further breach by the team of Article 151c of the International Sporting Code."

McLaren accepts the FIA World Motor Sport Council's decision and wishes to thank the FIA World Motor Sport Council members for the very fair hearing they have given us this morning.

We now look forward with enthusiasm to continuing our efforts to develop a closer and more co-operative relationship between ourselves and the FIA.

We will also continue to focus our efforts on closing the performance gap that exists between our car and the fastest cars.

Following Lewis Hamilton's encouraging fourth place in Bahrain last Sunday, we are now optimistic that we will be able to play an increasingly competitive part in what is fast developing into a very exciting season of Formula 1 motor racing.

Martin Whitmarsh (Team Principal) said:
"I would like to thank the FIA World Motor Sport Council members for affording me the opportunity to answer their questions this morning. We are aware that we made serious mistakes in Australia and Malaysia, and I was therefore very glad to be able to apologise for those mistakes once again. I was also pleased to be able to assure the FIA World Motor Sport Council members that we had taken appropriate action with a view to ensuring that such mistakes do not occur again."

 

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Sacks Dave Ryan April 7, 2009
 

On April 3, 2009, Dave Ryan was suspended from his position as sporting director of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team.

Team principal Martin Whitmarsh said: “In my 20-odd years working for McLaren, I doubt if I’ve met a more dedicated individual than Davey. He's been an integral part of McLaren since 1974 and has played a crucial role in the team’s many world championship successes since that time.

“However, his role in the events of last Sunday, particularly his dealings with the FIA stewards, has caused serious repercussions for the team, for which we apologise. Therefore, I suspended him this morning and he has accepted this.”

This afternoon McLaren and its former sporting director, Dave Ryan, have formally parted company. As a result, he is no longer an employee of any of the constituent companies of the McLaren Group.

 

Ron Dennis Steps Down As Team Principal January 16, 2009
 

Woking, UK, Friday January 16 2009: This morning, at the launch of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-24, Ron Dennis (McLaren Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal) announced that he would pass the role of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal to Martin Whitmarsh (Chief Operating Officer, McLaren Group) on March 1st.

Martin will therefore lead the team at grands prix from this season onwards.

Ron Dennis said: "Let me make one thing clear: this is very definitely not retirement. In fact, I intend to work even harder from now on. And it's because I intend to work even harder - on growing the McLaren Group, which encompasses McLaren Automotive, McLaren Electronic Systems, McLaren Applied Technologies, McLaren Marketing, McLaren Inc and Absolute Taste, as well as McLaren Racing of course - that I've decided to pass the role of Team Principal of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes to Martin.

"In any case, this announcement won’t change a great deal because, in his capacity as Chief Operating Officer of McLaren Group, Martin and I already jointly take all the major decisions that affect this company. What today’s decision means is that Martin will now become solely responsible for the performance of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and will be entrusted to ensure the team remains a competitive force in Formula 1 motor racing.

"As for myself, I will continue to expand and develop my role as McLaren Group Chairman and still intend to go to some, but not all, Grands Prix because I remain a diehard enthusiast. Motor racing is in my blood - and nothing will dilute my passion for either the sport or the success of this company."

Martin Whitmarsh said: "Ron and I have had many discussions about this over the past few weeks and months, but eventually it became clear that Ron’s decision was final. Everyone knows what an incredible career Ron has had to date; his legacy is huge. As such, I remain hugely mindful of the responsibilities I assume as team principal - it’s a daunting yet exciting prospect. Despite today’s announcement, I hope we will still continue to work as closely together as before."

Norbert Haug said: "Ron has contributed enormously to our partnership which starts its 15th season right now. On behalf of Mercedes-Benz I really want to say thank you to Ron for all his work and for all the success we’ve had, and hopefully will have, in the future. But it is not about saying ‘goodbye’ to Ron today, because we fully support Ron’s decision which he has made so that he can concentrate on the leadership of the McLaren Group. At the same time, this announcement is great news for Martin - and certainly a very well-deserved promotion. Ron, Martin and I have been working together for 15 years in a very trustful and co-operative manner. This will not change in the future."

 

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Launches MP4-24 January 16, 2009
 

Woking, UK, Friday January 16 2009: The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team today launched the car it will campaign in the 2009 FIA Formula 1 World Championship at its headquarters in Woking, England.

Unveiled by world champion Lewis Hamilton and his team-mate Heikki Kovalainen, the new MP4-24 bears little resemblance to its world championship-winning predecessor due to the introduction of a raft of new rules that have reshaped Formula 1 ahead of the 2009 season.

Now featuring heavily revised bodywork, re-sculpted front and rear wings, slick tyres and a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS), the MP4-24 has been in development since September 2007 in order to successfully accommodate the huge changes to the technical regulations.

The team has already completed two MP4-24 chassis and begins publicly testing at the Autodromo do Algarve circuit in Portugal on Monday. Test driver Pedro de la Rosa will conduct the first two days before Lewis (Wednesday) and Heikki (Thursday) sample the car.

Lewis Hamilton
"The arrival of a new car is always an emotional moment for any racing driver - and the unveiling of MP4-24 is even more special for me, not only because the car looks absolutely stunning but also because it carries the world champion’s number one. I believe this year’s world championship is open, given the new rule changes and that’s a great prospect for every Formula 1 fan. Personally, I’m hoping for another successful season and the chance to once again fight for the title - until the final race if necessary, but preferably before!"

Heikki Kovalainen
"I’m fortunate enough to have watched behind the scenes as this year’s car has taken shape and I’ve been amazed at just how hard everybody in Woking. Brixworth and Stuttgart has worked. Over the winter, I also feel like I’ve had the opportunity to prepare fully for the year ahead: I’ve been busy training and working with my engineers to ensure we start the season as strongly as possible. With so many new rules, adapting quickly will be essential and I feel more prepared than ever for the new season."

Ron Dennis
Chairman & CEO, McLaren Group Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
"Despite our victory in the 2008 drivers’ world championship we have taken nothing for granted in our preparations for the season ahead. Indeed, if anything, our efforts to fully understand this period of huge regulatory change have been more thorough and concerted than ever before. And while the scale of the technical changes makes it difficult to accurately assess the true competitive outlook of the year ahead, as a team we can feel proud of our efforts and look forward to another close season of Formula 1 motor racing. As ever, we exist to win and our target remains the successful acquisition of both this year’s drivers’ and constructors’ world titles."

Martin Whitmarsh
COO, McLaren Group CEO Formula 1, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
"Such profound changes to the sport make it difficult to predict which teams will have most successfully developed their cars for the new technical regulations. These rules have presented us with considerable challenges throughout the design process of MP4-24 but we have thoroughly interpreted all their ramifications in order to design a car we can feel proud of. We are also optimistic that the Overtaking Working Group’s findings will help create a more thrilling and exciting sport that will provide greater entertainment and value to our biggest customers: the general public."

Norbert Haug
Vice-president, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport
"In sporting terms, the 2009 Formula 1 season will be a highly interesting one, particularly because of the so far biggest technical challenges in contemporary Formula 1 history. These include new aerodynamic rules, the reintroduction of slick tyres, the implementation of KERS combined with stringent testing restrictions. We developed and built the new car at most favourable conditions and it turned out to be strikingly elegant. Our colleagues in Woking, Brixworth and Stuttgart did an excellent job. I am convinced that the rule changes combined with drastic cost reduction measures will improve the Formula 1 show - and that’s great for the interested spectators."

David Wheldon
Global brand director, Vodafone Group
"With nearly three months until the opening grand prix of the season, today’s launch of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 raises anticipation and expectations before the first race in Australia in March. With new regulations and new cars, the season ahead looks likely to be more dramatic than ever and, like every Formula 1 fan, we are excited about the year ahead. Every Vodafone employee is looking forward to another successful season with Lewis and Heikki. We wish the whole team all the best for 2009."

 

Lewis Hamilton Wins 2008 F1 Drivers' Championship November 2, 2008
 

In one of the most dramatic finishes to a world championship ever, Lewis took the title by a single point after securing fifth position on the final corner of the final lap of the final race of the 2008 season. Lewis finished the year with 98 points, one point ahead of Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, who won his home race at Interlagos this afternoon.

Heikki Kovalainen finished seventh - a result that helped the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team to second in the constructors’ championship with 151 points. Ferrari amassed a winning total of 172 points.

At the age of just 23 years, 10 months and 26 days, Lewis is the youngest champion in Formula 1 history. He takes McLaren’s 12th drivers’ world title, and the third for the McLaren Mercedes partnership, which won the drivers’ title in 1998 and ’99 with Mika Häkkinen.

Lewis Hamilton: "The most dramatic race of my whole life. It’s pretty much impossible to put this into words: I’m still speechless. It’s been such a long journey, but I’ve always had the support of my family, the team, our partners and the fans. We did a fantastic job throughout the whole year and, with all the sacrifices we made, I’m so thrilled to be able to win this for everyone.

"Before it started to rain I was quite comfortable, and I was just focused on having a clean race. Then it started to drizzle and I didn't want to take any risks - but Sebastian got past me and I was told that I had to get back in front of him. I couldn’t believe it. Then at the very last corner I managed to get past Timo - it was just amazing. This was one of the toughest races of my life, if not the toughest. I was shouting, ‘Do I have it? Do I have it?’ on the radio. It was only when I took the chequered flag and got to Turn One that the team told me I was world champion. I was ecstatic."

Heikki Kovalainen: "The most important news today is that Lewis pulled it off; he did exactly what he had to do to win the championship. Everybody in the team deserves this title, particularly after what happened here one year ago, but the guys stayed focused throughout so congratulations to everyone. I’ll now work even harder over the winter and hopefully next year's world champion will be on the other side of our garage!"

Ron Dennis: "Well, that was a really tough race. We never pushed hard, we never did anything silly, but of course the late rain made things extraordinarily tense. Even so, even when Sebastian got past Lewis, we never gave up, and Lewis never gave up, because we knew that Timo was on dry tyres. Lewis took his chance brilliantly, and the result was one of the most thrilling finishes in sporting history. I’m so proud of Lewis; I’m so proud of the team; everyone - every single one of them - did an absolutely fantastic job. Thanks, also, to Mercedes-Benz and all our partners - and, last but not least, congratulations to Ferrari on winning the constructors’ championship."

Norbert Haug: "I am really, really happy for all of us at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. Everybody in the team worked so hard throughout the year. Thank you all, guys. Lewis finally won the title with one point ahead of Felipe Massa after he lost it by one point last year to Kimi in his first one in Formula 1. Congratulations to him. Lewis showed a very disciplined race today and I can imagine how hard it was for a driver like him who wants to win every race that he had to drive carefully to just get the necessary points. Congratulations to Ferrari on the constructors’ title; this was a truly remarkable year for Formula 1."

 

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Introduces Top Body Dorsal Fin July 8, 2008
 

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team has now also shown its interest in a revised engine cover, dubbed the top body dorsal fin, which is currently also being used by a couple of other F1 teams. The new kind of engine cover was first introduced by Red Bull Racing. Lewis Hamilton tested the new engine cover on Tuesday morning at Hockenheim.

The teams currently using a similar engine cover design are Red Bull, Renault, Force India and Toro Rosso. If the outcome of the test is positive the Woking based team will most likely use the new engine cover next week already at the German Grand Prix.

 

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-23 Unveiled at Stuttgart January 7, 2008
 

Stuttgart, Germany / Woking, UK, Monday 7th January 2008: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes today presented the MP4-23, the team’s 2008 Formula 1 car, at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Daimler Board, and Ron Dennis, Chairman and CEO of the McLaren Group, welcomed all the guests to the official presentation, with Lewis Hamilton, who celebrates his 23rd birthday today, and Heikki Kovalainen joined on stage by Pedro de la Rosa and fellow test driver Gary Paffett to unveil the MP4-23. The car was completed yesterday and left the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK at around 18:00 GMT on Sunday and was driven in a Mercedes-Benz Actros to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, having covered approximately 1000kms, arriving around 10:00 this morning.

Upon arrival in Stuttgart, the car was transported to the 53,000 sqm Mercedes-Benz Museum, one of the world’s largest and most renowned car museums. About 700 Mercedes-Benz employees from the nearby manufacturing plant Stuttgart-Untertürkheim had the opportunity to attend today’s event at the end of their early shift alongside the more than 400 media and other guests. The Mercedes-Benz employees had the opportunity to enter a draw of which the lucky winners were able to meet and spend some time with Lewis and Heikki.

Following today’s event the car will be transported to the Circuito de Jerez in Southern Spain, where on Wednesday 9th January Heikki and Pedro will start the test programme with two MP4-23 chassis at a private test. The team will remain at the circuit for five track days, excluding the weekend. Lewis will drive the 2008 car for the first time on Thursday 10th January alongside Heikki.

LEWIS HAMILTON
"The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-23 is the coolest birthday present you can get, well it is for me anyway! To see the car for the first time at such a great place as the Mercedes-Benz museum makes it an even more memorable day. I have had the past three weeks off and spent the time training and relaxing with family and friends. I know how much work has been going on in Woking, Brixworth and here in Stuttgart and it is a great looking car. My engineer has told me that approximately 14,000 manufacturing man hours have been involved to produce the car in time for today. I will be testing it for the first time on Thursday. It is going to be a busy time but myself, Heikki, who I welcome as my new teammate, and everyone within the team is looking forward to it as we push forward together."

HEIKKI KOVALAINEN
"Today is my first official event as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver and it hasn’t come soon enough. After joining the team on the 14th December, I have already spent some time at the McLaren Technology Centre getting to know everybody and working with my engineers. It is also great to be here at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart today to meet the Mercedes-Benz employees, media and VIP guests for the first time as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver. I was able to learn a lot last year, and hope to take that knowledge into the 2008 season. I am looking forward to contributing to the development of the car during the six main tests in the build-up to Melbourne. It is a really exciting time for me to be joining Vodafone McLaren Mercedes."

Dr DIETER ZETSCHE
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE MANAGEMENT OF DAIMLER AG AND HEAD OF MERCEDES-BENZ CARS
"I am confident that, with Heikki and Lewis, we’ll have a very strong driver team on the track. All of us at Daimler are extremely proud of the tremendous track record of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team. They prove once again: You can’t be with Daimler or Mercedes-Benz without wanting to belong to the best - that’s in the DNA of our company in a way. And that applies also for the motorsport."

RON DENNIS
CHAIRMAN & CEO, McLAREN GROUP
"The ultimate goal of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team is to fight for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships. We are looking forward to another competitive season as we look to build on the momentum of last year. Every single member of the team has worked extremely hard since the end of the 2007 season to get the MP4-23 on track as soon as possible, to ensure we have the maximum amount of testing time available before the cars leave for Australia. We are all extremely pleased to have the opportunity to launch our new car at the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart underlining the strength of our partnership."

MARTIN WHITMARSH
CEO FORMULA 1, VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES
"Development of the MP4-23 began in earnest 10 months ago and everyone in Woking, Brixworth and Stuttgart have worked very hard during the last few weeks, and particularly over the Christmas period, to make today’s presentation here in Stuttgart happen. In addition we have continued to benefit from tremendous support from all of our Technology Partners. We are confident, based upon the simulation and analysis which has been an integral part of the development process, that the MP4-23 represents a step forward. Of course we will continue to develop the car from now until the first race in Australia and see whether we have done enough to be at the level where we want to compete this coming season. From today we have 68 working days until the Australian Grand Prix, and everybody within the team is highly motivated to travel to Melbourne with the most competitive package possible."

NORBERT HAUG
VICE PRESIDENT, MERCEDES-BENZ MOTORSPORT
"Our Museum is a unique place for this event. More than 160 Mercedes-Benz cars, amongst them 30 historic racing cars representing more than 100 years of Mercedes-Benz motor sport heritage create a most remarkable environment for the presentation of the new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-23. I am really pleased that we are able to present with this car launch many of our colleagues from the nearby Untertürkheim manufacturing plant a New Years surprise today. The media presence at our compact presentation today was massive, which is an additional motivation for everybody in the team to start the 2008 season with the target to finish one point ahead instead of one point behind the opposition."

DAVID WHELDON
GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF CUSTOMER AND BRAND EXPERIENCE, VODAFONE
"Vodafone is delighted to be entering this second season as Title Sponsor and Official Mobile Partner of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team. Formula 1 is all about 'Making the most of Now' and similarly, we want all our customers to get the most out of their time. We look forward to building on our successful partnership and wish the team all the best for the 2008 season." 

MP4-23 FACTFILE

The first design meeting for the MP4-23 took place back in November 2006 with early layout work starting in March 2007.

Wind tunnel work commenced in late May 2007.

Since then the MP4-23 has spent over 3000 hours being developed in the wind tunnel.

The first MP4-23 chassis was ready for bonding in mid November 2007.

Lewis Hamilton, Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett had their provisional seat fittings for the MP4-23 back in September 2007. Heikki Kovalainen was fitted for his seat shortly after being announced as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver.

The car build process for chassis 1 began in early December 2007 and was finished in early January 2008.

Throughout the development process 150 different engineers have been involved in the whole project in all disciplines.

14000 engineering man hours have so far been put into the MP4-23 development project.

A similar number applies to the manufacturing man hours involved to produce the MP4-23 in time for its track debut on the 9th January 2008.

The MP4-23 is an evolution of the MP4-22 and as such there is no significant visual difference currently, however between now and the first race in Australia there are planned upgrades on most of the aerodynamic surfaces, wings, bodywork, bargeboards and additional bodywork components.

Alongside the development of the 2008 challenger, concept work has been started for the 2009 car since November 2007, with the KERS project (energy storage) beginning a year ago.

 

Heikki Kovalainen Joins Vodafone McLaren Mercedes December 14, 2007
 

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is pleased to confirm that Finn Heikki Kovalainen will team up with Formula 1 World Championship runner-up Lewis Hamilton for the 2008 season. Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa will remain the third driver and an integral part of the team, whilst Gary Paffett will assist Pedro with the testing programme when required.

“We had a number of options open to us and as always we want to make sure that we have the most competitive driver line-up and I think that Lewis and Heikki will be a formidable combination,” said Martin Whitmarsh. “Both enjoyed great rookie seasons in 2007 and share a genuine passion for winning and being the best. Heikki made a strong impression and Lewis’ performance so far has been outstanding and speaks for itself. I am confident that they will push each other on track and work well together off track. In addition with Pedro remaining our primary test driver alongside Gary, we really have a strong package and look forward to 2008.”

Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport commented: “Heikki is a talented driver who showed his skills during his debut season in Formula 1 this year. Heikki’s most impressive performance was at the Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji where he finished second behind Lewis in extremely treacherous wet conditions. He is not only a quick driver but also one of the most consistent having finished in every Grand Prix except the last which puts him in the top five together with our drivers who covered most laps in 2007. Everybody in the team is looking forward to a very fruitful co-operation. Lewis and Heikki will form one of the youngest driver line-ups, and I am convinced that both will be very strong and at the same time co-operative competitors.”

26-year-old Heikki, who made his Formula 1 race debut last year with Renault, joins the team on a long-term contract and will commence his on-track programme in early January.

“I am so excited to join a team like Vodafone McLaren Mercedes,” said Heikki. “So far I have been blown away by the dedication and commitment to winning which is clear through the entire organisation and I am really excited about our joint future. As a Finn it’s an honour for me to follow in Mika and Kimi’s footsteps. I haven’t really spent a lot of time with Lewis so far but from what I know I think we will work well together and do our best for the team.”

Lewis who enjoyed the most successful rookie season in the history of the Formula 1 World Championship with consecutive podiums in his first nine races is looking forward to the 2008 season.

“As soon as the chequered flag went in Brazil I began to count down the days until Australia,” said Lewis. “I am really looking forward to 2008 and working with Heikki as my team mate. Together with the team we will do everything we can to ensure that our Championship challenge is as strong and focused as possible. My first year in Formula 1 was incredible and I was so fortunate to spend it with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and I hope that Heikki will enjoy his first year with the team as much as I did mine.”

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-23 is scheduled to commence its on-track testing programme at an exclusive test at the Jerez circuit in Spain during the second week of January 2008. There are currently no plans for a launch presentation but the team will provide the media with photographs and further details about the car when it runs.

 

McLaren Fined and Stripped of Constructors' Points September 13, 2007
 

McLaren have been excluded from the 2007 constructors’ championship and fined US$100 million following Thursday’s FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) hearing in Paris. Drivers Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton have not been penalized and are free to continue their fight for the drivers' title.

The penalty follows McLaren’s admission that the team was in breach of the International Sporting Code through their possession of confidential technical data belonging to rivals Ferrari, who are now all but assured of the 2007 constructors’ title.

McLaren are also required to submit detailed plans of their 2008 car to the FIA, who warned that it could apply further sanctions relating to next season should any irregularities be found in the car’s design.

At July’s original hearing, the Council opted not to punish McLaren as it decided there was no proof that the Ferrari data had been used. Thursday’s second hearing followed the emergence of new evidence and the FIA’s request for McLaren’s drivers to submit any information they had that might be relevant to the case.

The FIA will explain the reasons behind the Council's decision on Friday, after which McLaren will decide whether or not to appeal.

The full statement from the FIA:

In an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council was held in Paris on the 12th of September 2007, The following decision was taken:

"The WMSC has stripped Vodafone McLaren Mercedes of all constructors' points in the 2007 FIA Formula One World Championship and the team can score no point for the remainder of the season *.

"Furthermore, the team will pay a fine equal to 100 million dollar, less the FOM income lost as a result of the points deduction.

"However, due to the exceptional circumstances in which the FIA gave the team's drivers an immunity in return for providing evidence, there is no penalty in regards to drivers' points **.

"The WMSC will receive a full technical report on the 2008 McLaren car and will take a decision at its December 2007 meeting as to what sanction, if any, will be imposed on the team for the 2008 season."

The full reasons for this decision will be issued on the 14th September 2007.

* Points gained by other teams so far this season will not be affected.

** No McLaren representative will be allowed on the podium should a McLaren driver win in any of the remaining races of the 2007 season.

 

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Unveiled in Valencia January 15, 2007
 

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes race drivers Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton will drive through the streets of Valencia in their Formula 1 cars later today to mark the start of an exciting new era for the team. The event heralds the launch of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, which Vodafone is joining as Title Sponsor and Official Mobile Partner.

Fernando and Lewis, who form one of the youngest driver line-ups in the history of the sport, will unveil the new livery to an expected crowd of more than 150,000 on a bespoke circuit around the Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias in two MP4-21 race cars. This will be followed by the unveiling of the 2007 car, the MP4-22, which Fernando and Lewis will use to contest this year's Formula 1 World Championship.

The 2007 challengers will conduct a shakedown test at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia, on Wednesday 17th January. The intensive pre-season testing programme will then commence on Wednesday 24th January at the same track.

Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett join Fernando and Lewis to complete the driver line-up. Pedro and Gary, who are starting their fifth and second years with the team respectively, will continue to support the ongoing technical development of the MP4-22 package during the course of the year alongside Fernando and Lewis.

“This is a fantastic day for me - I am really proud to be introducing myself as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver in my home country, and of course to help present my new team to the Spanish fans,” said double World Champion Fernando. “Although this is my first public event with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, I have already spent a lot of time with the team and my fellow drivers Lewis, Pedro and Gary, at the McLaren Technology Centre. It is a great team and I am excited about this new beginning. My fans are such an inspiration and it is great to bring the team so close to them. I hope they enjoy watching Lewis and myself drive the cars in their new livery around the streets of Valencia.”

For Lewis, today sees the realisation of a childhood ambition, “Growing up, I saw so many Formula 1 launches in the media, and to be here in Valencia to unveil the new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team really brings home to me the distance I have travelled to achieve my dream of becoming a grand prix driver,” said Lewis. “There is still a long way for me to go, as I am at the early stages of my career and have a lot to learn, but the passion I have for the sport and this team is immense, I cannot wait to take to the grid in Australia in March. This year will be about firsts for me, starting with today and my first Formula 1 presentation and my first demonstration run. It will be great to take the cars onto the streets and I hope the fans like the new livery as much as I do!”

Ron Dennis, Team Principal of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and Chairman and CEO of the McLaren Group added: “This is a very special moment as we officially unveil the team in Valencia today. Vodafone represents only the second title sponsor change in 30 years for the team – something which we as an organization are very proud of."

"McLaren and Mercedes-Benz have enjoyed a very strong relationship for the past 12 years and we are now looking forward to a successful future as Vodafone McLaren Mercedes," continued Ron. "We all want to win but how we win has always been very important to us and this value will remain the driving force behind our new partnership. In parallel we have developed a brand strategy which we hope will capture and project the youthful and dynamic spirit of the new team. In Fernando and Lewis we have two of the most exciting and talented drivers in Formula 1. They both have great potential to inspire others to push hard to achieve their dreams."

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Generalitat Valenciana and in particular the President Mr. Francisco Camps Ortiz and the Conseller Mr. Gerrado Camps Devesa for their support in making today’s event happen. For people to be motivated by something they have to really experience it, and this is what we aim to generate today in Valencia," said Ron.

Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “Like DaimlerChrysler, our new partner Vodafone is a global company with more than 190 million customers worldwide. This clearly opens up new opportunities and perspectives in the area of communications for the team. With the 2007 line-up of double world champion Fernando Alonso and F1 newcomer Lewis Hamilton, we have both the youngest driver pairing on the starting grid and in the history of the team. Furthermore, when Fernando and Lewis make their debut for the team in the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne, it will mark the tenth anniversary of the first McLaren-Mercedes F1 victory at the same circuit."

“Vodafone is delighted to be deepening our involvement in motor racing by becoming Title Sponsor and Official Mobile Partner of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team," said Arun Sarin, Chief Executive of Vodafone. "We are very excited about the opportunities the team will offer us to continue to build our brand. Motor racing is all about 'Making the most of Now' and similarly, we want all our customers both business and consumer to get the most out of their time. We wish the team all the best for the 2007 season,”

The event will also see the announcement of three new exclusive special edition consumer handsets from Samsung and Sharp to support the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team.

As Vodafone McLaren Mercedes moves into 2007, the team has welcomed new companies to its prestigious group of Corporate and Technology Partners, including aigo, Mutua Madrileña and Santander. “As we start the 2007 season, the team is benefiting from the valuable support of our world class Partner group and today extend our thanks to our existing sponsors,” said Ron Dennis. “With the likes of Santander, aigo and Mutua Madrileña joining us from this season, we have a Partnership portfolio that is unmatched in Formula 1 or indeed in the field of sports sponsorship.”

 

Lewis Hamilton Joins Vodafone McLaren Mercedes November 24, 2006
 

Long-term McLaren and Mercedes-Benz protégé Lewis Hamilton has been confirmed as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes racing driver and will make his debut at the opening round of the 2007 Formula 1 World Championship in Australia. 21-year-old Lewis will join World Champion Fernando Alonso racing the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22 during the 2007 season with both Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett continuing as test drivers. The 2006 GP2 Champion, who also dominated the 2005 F3 Euro Series in a Dallara Mercedes winning 15 out of 20 races, will recommence his testing programme and the team’s preparations for the 2007 season next week at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona.

"It's a dream come true," said Lewis. "To be racing in Formula 1 with McLaren has been the ultimate goal for me since I was very young and this opportunity is a fantastic way to end what has been the best year for me. I have grown up with McLaren and Mercedes and wouldn't be where I am today without their continued support and guidance. However I'm aware that this will be a challenge and I know that there will be a lot of attention on me. However the team has told me just to relax, do the best I can and enjoy the opportunity. I will work hard to get good results."

Pedro de la Rosa will revert to his role as test driver for the team. Pedro has been racing for Team McLaren Mercedes since the 2006 French Grand Prix in July and achieved a number of points-scoring performances as well as a podium finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

"I have really enjoyed the opportunity to race for Team McLaren Mercedes for the last eight races of the 2006 season," commented Pedro. "However I have always been aware that the team might decide to give another driver the same opportunity, so the fact that Lewis will be in the car comes as no surprise. Obviously I would have preferred to race myself but also understand why the team has decided to put Lewis in the car. I wish him all the best and look forward to continue working with him."

Gary Paffett will continue in his role with the team working on the test and engineering programme alongside Lewis, Fernando and Pedro.

“I am delighted to be remaining with the team, it is a fantastic racing organisation and I am looking forward to working with my fellow teammates on our 2007 Championship challenge," said Gary Paffett. "As with any driver, there is always a desire to be racing in Formula 1, however this was not possible. We had a number of other opportunities available and have decided that this was the strongest option. I would like to congratulate Lewis on today’s announcement.”

"Since 1998 Lewis has formed an important part of our long-term strategy and we are pleased that we are able to help him take another step and achieve his dream of becoming a Formula 1 racing driver," said Ron Dennis, Chairman and CEO, McLaren Group. "Pedro has done an outstanding job for us this season but we felt it was the right time to provide Lewis with this opportunity. It's obviously going to be the biggest challenge of Lewis's career so far but it's one that we are sure he will be able to meet. He is coming into the paddock for the first time as a Formula 1 racing driver and will have to familiarise himself with the pressures of a Grand Prix weekend. However the confidence we have in Lewis's abilities and talent is clear from our decision to give him the chance."

Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport commented how "Lewis is a gifted driver who proved his talent with two consecutive title wins - 2005 in the Formula 3 Euro Series in a Dallara Mercedes and this year in the GP2 Series. McLaren and Mercedes-Benz have supported Lewis already for nine years. He was half as tall as he is today when he started in karting. It's clear that Lewis has less experience in comparison to the other 21 Formula 1 drivers in Grand Prix cars. However extensive tests during the coming months will prepare him for his first season - I am very glad that a guy like him gets his deserved chance."

Lewis has been involved with the McLaren and Mercedes-Benz Young Driver Support Programme since its inception in 1998. He moved through the ranks of karting winning various Championships including the 'McLaren Mercedes Champions of the Future' karting series in 1998. Lewis dominated the 2003 British Formula Renault Championship winning 10 out of the Championship's 15 races. In 2004 Lewis competed in the prominent Formula 3 Euro series with Manor Motorsport, powered by Mercedes-Benz engines. In 2005, Lewis dominated the F3 Euro Series Championship, in a car powered by Mercedes-Benz. On 8th September 2006 Lewis won the GP2 Series Championship with the ART team at Monza in Italy, winning five out of 22 rounds, and on Wednesday 13th September Lewis tested the Team McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car for the first time at the Silverstone circuit in the UK.

 

Thank you Kimi September 10, 2006
 

Kimi Raikkonen and Team McLaren Mercedes have enjoyed a successful relationship for the past five years achieving nine victories, ten pole positions and scored 321 World Championship points. Only two drivers in Formula 1 at the moment enjoy longer relationships with their teams than Kimi and Team McLaren Mercedes.

The team has a number of options for the remaining seat alongside World Champion Fernando Alonso for 2007 and will make an announcement prior to the end of the year.

Following today's announcement regarding his future, the Team would like to thank Kimi for his contribution and wish him the very best. Whilst Kimi's 2007 plans are now announced both Kimi and the Team recognise there is still a job to do this season and will continue to push hard.

KIMI RAIKKONEN
"Whilst I have taken the decision to leave Team McLaren Mercedes, I want to stress that I really enjoyed my time with the team. I have the deepest respect for everybody and will be giving my all in the remaining races."

RON DENNIS
TEAM PRINCIPAL, TEAM McLAREN MERCEDES
"I have enjoyed working with Kimi over the past five seasons and as a team we have achieved a lot of success. He is a very special driver and obviously everybody at McLaren wishes him all the best in his future career. Looking forward we remain confident that our 2007 line-up will be a strong and exciting one."

NORBERT HAUG
VICE-PRESIDENT, MERCEDES-BENZ MOTORSPORT
"We worked with Kimi for five years and during that time he has become a great racing driver. On behalf of DaimlerChrysler and our premium brand Mercedes-Benz I would like to thank Kimi for all that he has done for us and I wish him well for the future. I am sure we will continue to have great respect for each other and will remain friends."

 

Team McLaren Mercedes Unveils Unique Livery February 10, 2006
 

The Team McLaren Mercedes Formula One team has revealed a unique new car livery which will adorn the team's cars in the future.

The new livery has an innovative surface coating, which achieves a high level of reflectivity. The technology used was perfected by McLaren during the past six months and is completely new to Formula One.

"A lot of research and months of work have gone into creating this unique chrome finish," explained McLaren Marketing Managing Director Ekrem Sami. "We are always looking at innovative ways to allow our sponsor partners to differentiate their brands from the competition through their partnership with the team and this unique livery is designed to be extremely photogenic. Team McLaren Mercedes had the highest audited 'Share of TV Voice' in 2005 - and we hope that this new identity will contribute to us retaining that status."

"When we created our previous livery in the mid nineties we established what we believed then was an innovative and groundbreaking new identity for McLaren Mercedes," continued Sami. "What we have launched today is as revolutionary and we hope it will be the foundation of the team's livery for many years to come."

The team can look back on a lot of success during the nine years of the former livery. At the very first race after its introduction in Melbourne in 1997 the team won and since then it has taken nearly 30 per cent of all Grands Prix victories.

The team took the opportunity to show the new livery to McLaren Group and Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines employees this evening. Two of the Groups better known personalities, drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya, were both impressed with their cars' 'new clothes'.

"I have only seen illustrations of the new livery until now but they do it no justice," said Kimi. "It looks fantastic and should create a bit of a stir when we drive it on tracks around the world. If we can make the car as fast as it looks then we will be in good shape."

"Wow," said Juan Pablo. "What a beautiful looking car. I have obviously been testing the MP4- 21 quite a bit already but seeing the car like this is something else."

 

Team McLaren Mercedes MP4-21 Tests In Barcelona January 23, 2006
 

Circuit de Catalunya, Monday 23rd January 2006: The Team McLaren Mercedes 2006 Formula One car, the MP4-21, made its track debut today at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain. The MP4-21 is fundamentally a new car, however the basic concept is an evolution of the 2005 challenger, the MP4-20, which won ten out of the season's 19 Grands Prix.

Test driver, Pedro de la Rosa, was at the wheel of the MP4-21 as it left the garage for the first time at 09:15 local time to complete its installation lap. Juan Pablo Montoya will take over driving duties for tomorrow, Tuesday 24th, and Wednesday 25th, with Kimi Raikkonen having his debut runs on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th January. Pedro and fellow test driver Gary Paffett will test alongside the team's race drivers in an interim MP4-20, continuing the Michelin tyre development programme, until chassis two of the new car is scheduled to hit the test track in Valencia sometime during the week commencing 13th February.

"I am really pleased to have been at the wheel of MP4-21 today" said Pedro. "The car feels good initially, but it is of course too early to really understand it's potential and we need to put a lot more laps on it. We have around 20 days of on track running before the cars leave for Bahrain on Friday 3rd March. As today is the initial shakedown, our focus will be to familiarise ourselves with the MP4-21 and the Mercedes-Benz FO 108S V8 engine, and to run the various systems checks that are required with a new car."

"Everyone at Team McLaren Mercedes is looking forward to the challenges ahead this season, and we took a major step in our preparations for 2006 today by starting to test the MP4-21 at Barcelona," commented Martin Whitmarsh, CEO Formula One, Team McLaren Mercedes. "The anticipation within the team as to how competitive the new car will be is great, particularly given the pace of our 2005 racer and the level of work that has been put into the MP4-21 project. However these are early days, we have a comprehensive programme to complete with the car over the next few weeks. This will mean hard and dedicated work from the whole team supported by our Technology Partners and Official Suppliers, including an aggressive schedule of upgrades to come on line before Bahrain."

The revised engine regulations for 2006, with the change from V10 to V8, has dominated the overall design process. Research into a direction for the MP4-21 began in August 2004, when Team McLaren Mercedes started to consider the new V8, 2.4 litre power plant, which as in 2005 has to last for two Grands Prix weekend. Designed and built from scratch, the Mercedes-Benz FO 108S V8, which ran for the first time at Silverstone on 13th September 2005 following its dyno debut on 15th June of the same year, also has to conform to the below restrictions:

  • V-angle of the cylinders set a 90 degrees
  • Use of a maximum of two inlet and exhaust valves each, previously restrictions have only covered the number of cylinders and a limit of five valves
  • Minimum engine weight of 95 kilograms
  • Maximum cylinder bore of 98 millimetres
  • The position of the engine's centre of gravity
  • Precisely defined alloys for the manufacturing of engine components

"The challenge with a brand new Formula One car is the same every year, but nevertheless there were even more intensive tasks to be dealt with this year than ever before," said Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. "The regulations require new V8 engines with a 2.4-litre capacity, and in addition to this the need to compensate for the restriction of the aerodynamics, this took a lot of time and effort. The power reduction by more than 150 bhp put additional strain on the aerodynamic concept. The aim was to further reduce drag and maintain or even increase downforce – which with the given limitations reminded the technicians that it is possible to achieve the impossible. As a result of this complex task it was important to invest sufficient time before the final definitions were made. We are very satisfied that the new MP4-21 has had a successful debut today. Its basic data promises that we have got a good basis. Our new engine covered about 6500 kilometres on track and more than double this amount on the dynos in Brixworth and Stuttgart. Now it is our task to prepare the new car for Bahrain in six more tests with more than 20 testing days when most of the time two MP4-21s will be run following Barcelona. The aim is to continue on last year's level of performance."

In October of 2004, the design team began its research into revised engine systems concepts, with the new regulations providing the opportunity to develop areas such as the cooling system, air and oil consumption and fuel supply.

"The development of the Mercedes-Benz V8 engine, and its ancillary areas, has seen McLaren Racing provide a strong supporting role to Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines, further integrating the facilities in Woking, Brixworth and Stuttgart," added Martin Whitmarsh.

Aerodynamics also received early attention, with the development programme starting as the 2005 season was getting underway in April of that year and the aero specification set in late October / early November. A key area of focus was the opportunity to exploit the smaller power unit by repackaging the rear of the car. In addition, the regulation change that stipulates the forward deflectors ahead of the reference plane must be raised by 50mm proved to be significant to the aerodynamics of MP4-21 and required innovative solutions from the Team McLaren Mercedes design team.

April 2005 also saw initial transmission and drive train work begin and the following month, the first spec of MP4-21 was issued by the design team. By September, production had begun, with chassis manufacturing starting one month later.

Other key regulation changes include the increase in crash test loads to the rear structure by 50 per cent, leading to the development of complex composite structures to absorb the required energy. Late December saw the MP4-21 chassis complete its first FIA crash test.

On the sporting side, there is a new qualifying format and the return to tyre changes in pit stops. The latter has been a focus of the extensive winter testing schedule throughout December and January to date, with the team working alongside Michelin to develop the new compounds and constructions for 2006. By the end of the final test in December 2005, Team McLaren Mercedes had covered over 6,000kms with the Mercedes-Benz V8 engine.

"Visually MP4-21 will look very similar to MP4-20," said Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of McLaren Racing. "In addition to the tighter packaging to the rear of the car, people will notice differences to the nose area, which has been lowered, and the aero body work, such as the barge boards and deflectors. The reduction in required cooling for the V8 engine has allowed us to in turn reduce the size of air intakes, this includes apertures in the main chassis, which is beneficial to the overall aerodynamic package. There are a significant number of changes in the cars structure, geometry and aerodynamics as a consequence of 16 months of R&D innovation. At McLaren Racing, we have a strong team of 135 engineers, and all have made a vital contribution. Now the new car has been released, our primary short term focus will switch to durability testing, proving the software, the systems and the 11,500 car components, 90% of which have changed from MP4-20. In addition we have a series of engine and chassis performance packages to bring to the car for the initial races. There is a lot of work to be done."

 

Fernando Alonso Joins Team McLaren December 19, 2005


The McLaren team has signed 2005 World Champion Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard will join McLaren in 2007 when Vodafone becomes the team's title sponsor. "I'm very excited about 2007," said Alonso.

McLaren's team principal and chairman, Ron Dennis, commented on signing the youngest Formula One World Champion ever: "Its great that our strong belief in the strength and competitiveness of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes package has been further endorsed by the World Champion. We always make it clear that we want to be the best and the only way of achieving this objective is by attracting the best people, the best drivers and the best sponsors. To be able to announce Vodafone as only McLaren's third title partner in more than 30 years and Fernando's employment within only a few days is fantastic news for the team, our Partners, Formula One and the fans."

Alonso to join Kimi? McLaren did not comment on driver speculations for 2007. "We are in discussions with our current drivers' Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya regarding the 2007 season," continues Ron Dennis. "Both Juan Pablo and Kimi are extremely talented, professional and competitive Formula One drivers and they have and will continue to concentrate on our joint challenge for the Championships."

Fernando Alonso commented about signing at McLaren: "To become part of a team with such a desire to succeed and passion for performance is a dream come true for any Formula One driver. "I'm very excited about 2007 and the fantastic opportunity to drive for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. It will be a new beginning for me and a tremendous challenge and from what I have heard about this exciting new partnership there is something to look forward to. Obviously I will be sad to leave Renault but sometimes possibilities come along which are just too good to miss. I'm pleased that we are able to make this announcement already now as it will allow my current team and I to focus 100 per cent on defending the World Championships next year."

 

McLaren Signs Vodafone As Title Sponsor December 14, 2005


McLaren has announced that Vodafone will become it's title sponsor from 2007 onwards in a deal that will last to 2010 and beyond. The team will become known as 'Vodafone McLaren Mercedes' and Vodafone will be McLaren's 'Official Mobile Partner'. Vodafone is currently a major sponsor of Ferrari.

"This is only the third time for more than 30 years that the opportunity to become the team's title sponsor has existed," said Ron Dennis, Chairman and CEO of the McLaren Group and McLaren Mercedes Team Principal. "The status of the brand and the level of activation in support of the sponsorship were key criteria for our choice of title sponsor and Vodafone over-delivers in all respects. In addition, as our agreement is long-term, this provides important stability within the team, allowing us to focus fully on our objective of winning races and Championships together. We are delighted to welcome Vodafone to the team and look forward to many future successes."

"We welcome Vodafone as the new title sponsor to the team," said Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. "The fact that a world-renowned brand like Vodafone with such an impressive market performance has joined us is of significant importance not only for the team but also for all our world class sponsor partners. I am sure that each one will benefit from the respective activities of the other, which is a first class prospect for everybody involved."

 

McLaren Says Goodbye to Title Partner West July 31, 2005


The Hungarian Grand Prix was a landmark race for Team McLaren Mercedes, as it bid farewell - in winning style - to its long-term Title Partner West.

The team's eight-and-a-half year relationship with its West began and ended with a spray of champagne - David Coulthard taking victory in the 1997 Australian Grand Prix and Kimi Raikkonen winning this year's Hungarian Grand Prix.

In between these special wins came a stunning tally of victories and a host of memorable and ground-breaking events.

"The time with our West has embraced two Drivers' World Championships, one Constructors' title and 38 race wins," commented Ron Dennis.  "Our Partnership began with victory in Australia 1997, and it is very satisfying to be leaving it at a time when we have a competitive package and are taking victories."

 

West McLaren Mercedes MP4-20 Tests In Barcelona January 24, 2005
 


The West McLaren Mercedes MP4-20 Formula One car took to the track for the first time today at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain, with Kimi Raikkonen at the wheel. The track debut of the team's 2005 challenger marks the start of an intensive five-day test session, which will see Kimi joined by team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya later this week.

"A lot of time, effort and work has been invested in the new car, with the engineers working more for us than ever before," said Kimi. "My first impression after these few laps is a good one, however, the work for me and my driver colleagues starts only now." The Finn will continue to drive MP4-20 until Thursday, when Juan Pablo will take the wheel.

"Since MP4-20 was fired up for the first time at 02:30am on the morning of Thursday 20th January at the McLaren Technology Centre, the anticipatory atmosphere of the car's initial run within the team has been building and we are pleased to have completed its shakedown this morning," said Ron Dennis, Team Principal, West McLaren Mercedes. "Today's unveiling is the first tangible demonstration of the team's preparations for the 2005 season, a year that has the potential to be exciting and positive for all the teams, our Partners and the fans alike. There is feverish work taking place across the team to achieve the best possible result for the this year"

The design of the MP4-20 has been heavily influenced by significant revisions to both the sporting and technical regulations that govern Formula One in four key areas: engine lifespan, limitations on tyre use, aerodynamics and race weekend format particularly for qualifying.

"A Formula One car is a fully integrated machine," commented Martin Whitmarsh, CEO Formula One, West McLaren Mercedes. "As a consequence, regulation changes to the extent we have seen ahead of the 2005 season, have had a major impact on the configuration of the entire package. The revisions created an interesting challenge for our design team under Adrian Newey, Mike Coughlan and Neil Oatley, and the result is a car that looks quite different from last year. Mercedes-Ilmor on the engine side has to cope with similar technical and timescale challenges."

The aerodynamic modifications have led to the most visible differences on the car, to the design of the chassis, which has been exclusively developed in the design office and wind tunnel facilities at the McLaren Technology Centre. These include the raising of the front wing by 50mm, restricting the height of the diffuser to 125mm and bringing the rear wing package forward by 150mm.

McLaren Racing's Technical Director Adrian Newey added, "With the regulations, particularly on the aerodynamic side, being set comparatively late resulting in even harder and more dedicated work from all members of the team to get MP4-20 on track today. This has seen positive collaboration with all our Technology Partners, particularly Michelin in adapting to the extended use requirements of tyres for the coming season, when they have to last the entire race distance. The spec for MP4-20 was set in May 2004 and this saw the start of wind tunnel work at the McLaren Technology Centre.
The timescales have been challenging but that is all part of the excitement of Formula One."

Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, said: "Formula One of generation 2005 creates a host of new challenges for all the engineers involved, as well as bigger cuts and restrictions overall than ever before during the last decade. The engine's lifespan is doubled due to a change in the regulations, which allows the engines to be replaced only after two races. This modification was announced extremely late, putting even bigger strain on the engine people. Additional strain was caused by the demand that performance be maintained despite the doubling of the lifespan. The new rules concerning the aerodynamic limitations and the use of only one set of tyres per race are no less challenging; it was therefore an interesting and busy winter not only for our engine technicians but also for the team's chassis engineers. With the West McLaren Mercedes MP4-20 we hope to have created a powerful package of chassis, engine and tyres, which will enable us to resume the performance and results which our team scored in the second half of the year and particularly in the final third of the season with last year's MP4-19B."

"Of course, everyone within our organisation was looking forward to the initial laps and results of the MP4-20 on the first test day," Martin Whitmarsh continued. "The focus in these early stages will be systems, aero and component evaluations before we start looking at more comprehensive programmes towards the end of the week. We have an intensive schedule to complete before the cars leave for Australia on Wednesday 23rd February, which will see us test at Valencia, Jerez and back to Barcelona. By the second week in February at Jerez, we will have the second MP4-20 chassis in attendance, with the third due to come on line in the following week."

Pedro de la Rosa will test alongside Kimi today in the MP4-19B, evaluating components and systems alongside the programme for the 2005 car, sharing driving duties during the week with Alex Wurz.

MP4-20 FACTS

  • Development of MP4-20 began May 2004
  • The first wind tunnel work on MP4-20 also began in May 2004
  • Approximately 3,600 hours of wind tunnel work has been conducted with MP4-20
  • The Mercedes-Benz FO 110R V10 engine has been running on the dyno for about half a year
  • The West McLaren Mercedes team has completed approximately 11,000 testing kilometres since the 2004 Brazilian Grand Prix.
  • So far in testing since the end of the 2004 season, the West McLaren Mercedes team has used approximately 8,000 litres of Mobil Unleaded fuel, supplied by Technology Partner ExxonMobil
  • Over 4,500 drawings have been created in the design process for MP4-20
  • There are approximately 10,800 components that make up the MP4-20

 

Kimi Raikkonen Wins Belgian Grand Prix August 29, 2004
 


West McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen took his second Formula One career win in today's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. Team mate David Coulthard came home seventh in the 44-lap race. Both drivers were on a two stop strategy. Kimi completed his stops on lap 13 (9.4 seconds) and 29 (9.4 seconds), whilst David came in on lap 13 (8.6 seconds) and lap 30 (8.9 seconds). David had to complete an additional pit stop on lap 39 (15.6 seconds) to change the nose cone of his car after a collision with Christian Klien's Jaguar. Kimi is now seventh in the Drivers' Championship ranking with 28 points, whilst David holds eighth position with 21. West McLaren Mercedes is fifth in the Constructors' ranking with 49 points.
 


KIMI RAIKKONEN
"I could not hope for a better result today. It has been a tough season this year, we have been close to a good result a couple of times already, and finally the good work of the entire team on track, in Woking, Brixworth and Stuttgart has been rewarded with a win. The race itself was tough as I suffered a little damage to the floor of the car after the start when Felipe Massa hit me from behind, but that did not hamper my performance. Then from lap eight onwards I experienced problems with the downshift throughout the race, which affected the breaking at the hairpin, however despite all this we achieved an exceptional result."

DAVID COULTHARD
"It was a good result for the team today. From my side it was quite an eventful race having lost a tyre before going in for my first pitstop from third position. I had a lot of work to do to get back in the points. I had managed to move up to be in eighth position when I lost my front wing, colliding with Klien. So all in all seventh place is a reasonable result from the day"

RON DENNIS
"A tremendous result for the team, the whole day speaks for itself. It was particularly satisfying when taking into account the safety car deployment on three occasions. Kimi's fastest lap on the penultimate lap of the race was absolutely sensational. David's puncture meant that he did not achieve the result he should have today, but seventh in the difficult circumstances was worth having."

NORBERT HAUG
"Congratulations to Kimi for a great race. Despite having a gear selection problem from the beginning he managed to achieve the fastest lap of today. The whole team have worked so hard to make this win possible. It's a pity that David didn't have the chance to finish higher up following his tyre damage early on, but speedwise he definitely was a candidate for the podium. Well done to everyone in the team, and thank you for all your efforts in Woking, Brixworth and Stuttgart. Congratulations to Michael Schumacher and Ferrari for winning the World Championship."

 

Raikkonen on fire in Bahrain April 04, 2004
 


The West McLaren Mercedes team had a disappointing Bahrain Grand Prix as both Kimi Raikkonen and David Coulthard failed to finish the 57 lap race. Kimi retired with an engine failure on lap eight as an apparent Mercedes engine failure resulted in plumes of smoke and flames billowing from the rear of the Finn's car. Seething with frustration Raikkonen ditched his car on the side of the track marking his third retirement of the season. Meanwhile Coulthard pulled into the pits with McLaren clearly not expecting him. The Scot was sent on his way but his car stopped at the end of the pit straight - retiring the second McLaren from eighth. David’s race finished on lap 50 due to a loss of air in the pneumatic system of the engine. David completed his three stops on laps nine (7.89 seconds), 23 (7.892 seconds) and 38 (9.217 seconds).
 


DAVID COULTHARD
“A disappointing outcome after an extremely unsatisfying couple of days in Bahrain. I had a few good battles during the race but as has been the case throughout I lacked speed. Another points finish would have been possible but at the end I lost air in the pneumatic system of the engine. I came into the pits to see if we could do something to rectify the situation but it proved impossible and that was the end of that.”

KIMI RAIKKONEN
“It’s been a difficult weekend for me and the entire team. I started the race from last but made a good start and gained quite a few places during the first couple of laps. I was battling with one of the Jaguars for 11th but all of a sudden I lost power and my engine went. There is not really anything else I can say or do. I just want to forget this weekend and look forward to the rest of the year.”

RON DENNIS
“Definitely not the outcome any of us would have liked. Both Kimi and David could have finished in the points today but to do that you have to finish. However the entire team will continue the efforts to optimise our package and whilst we have had a difficult start to the season I’m confident that we will improve.”

NORBERT HAUG
“The entire team is disappointed with the weekend’s performance. We still have to investigate the reason for Kimi’s engine failure. David’s retirement was caused by loss of air in the pneumatic system of the engine. We now have to work even harder together as a team to put every effort into improving our reliability and competitiveness.”

 

West McLaren Mercedes MP4-19 Makes Test Debut November 25, 2003
 

Valencia, Spain: The new West McLaren Mercedes 2004 Formula One car, the MP4-19, made its track debut today at the Valencia circuit in Spain with David Coulthard at the wheel. This week’s three day session will be followed by the start of the team’s full pre-season test programme at Barcelona and Jerez in the first two weeks of December, with David and Kimi Raikkonen supported by Third Driver Alexander Wurz and Test Driver Pedro de la Rosa.

The design of the MP4-19 has required the incorporation of a number of new FIA Formula One technical regulations for the 2004 season. The single engine rule, which limits each driver to one engine per race weekend marks the most fundamental change. Consequently the Mercedes-Benz FO 110Q V10 is a completely new design, to meet the extended use requirements for the 2004 Formula One World Championship. The new engine is more compact than its predecessor, producing centre of gravity benefits. The Mercedes-Benz FO 110Q ran on the dyno for the first time on 31st July 2003.

The revised regulations have also led to the MP4-19 carrying a rear wing restricted to a maximum of two horizontal elements, and an increased engine cover size. Other key visible design differences of the MP4-19 include the relocation of the radiator exit and a top exit exhaust.

Preparations for the 2004 season have also seen the appointment of Nicholas Tombazis as Chief Engineer Aerodynamic Development at McLaren Racing, in a move that further supplements the already strong design team led by Technical Director Adrian Newey. Nicholas, formerly Chief Aerodynamicist at Ferrari, will join at in April 2004 working alongside Peter Prodromou, who remains as Head of Aerodynamics also reporting to Adrian Newey.

MARTIN WHITMARSH
“The West McLaren Mercedes team is pleased that the preliminary shakedown of the MP4-19 has taken place at this early stage in our preparation for the 2004 Formula One World Championship. This timeframe will allow us to fully maximise our pre-season test and development programme, and therefore help to meet our aim of arriving at the 2004 Australian Grand Prix with a technical package that is capable of sustaining a consistent challenge for both World Championships. This is of course of particular importance given the current points system. We are also pleased to take this opportunity to announce the continued strengthening of our technical team, with the appointment of Nicholas Tombazis as Chief Engineer Aerodynamic Development. We believe this latest addition to the team will help to ensure we maintain the positive development impetus of the past year both in the build-up to and during the coming season. We are now looking forward to seeing how the MP4-19 performs over the coming weeks.”

NORBERT HAUG
“Being able to test the car we have built for the 2004 season before the end of the year, will certainly help us reach our targets. From 2004 onwards Formula One will be a tougher challenge than ever. Only one engine will be permitted per driver, car and race weekend – a change in the regulations that sets the bar really high. No engine manufacturer will be satisfied aiming for less power than in 2003, but at the same time we all face the task of at least doubling the engine’s life. Early and extensive tests are going to help both engine and chassis stand up to these new challenges.”

ADRIAN NEWEY
“Although MP4-19 incorporates significant carry-over from MP4-18, and the findings gathered from its development programme in 2003, we have also had to take into consideration new technical regulations, which have led to some additional change alongside this progression. A further focus of the design team on this front has been the modifications to the chassis to integrate the new Mercedes-Benz FO 110Q engine into the package. The design process of the MP4-19 has seen a continued and fruitful collaboration with all our Technology Partners, which allows us to tap into a wide range of specialist technologies at the forefront of their individual fields that pay dividends to the West McLaren Mercedes team. For example we have an extremely close relationship with Michelin and recent development work undertaken by ExxonMobil into the Mobil 1 fuels and lubricants we use has seen excellent results. At the shakedown this week, we are primarily focusing on evaluation of various systems, components and the aerodynamics, before the start of the comprehensive test programme in early December. At this early stage, we are currently operating one MP4-19 chassis, and consequently will continue component evaluation with the MP4-17D alongside the new programme in this three week period.”

DAVID COULTHARD
“It is positive that we have been the first team to run our 2004 Challenger today. Obviously as this is the initial shakedown, we are focusing on familarising ourselves with the MP4-19, and running various evaluations that are required when a new car takes to the track. The West McLaren Mercedes team and our Partners have been working very hard to get the MP4-19 on track today, and this has provided us with the bonus of as much circuit development time as possible before Christmas. Initially the MP4-19 feels good, it seems to have great potential and it is a further step in comparison with MP4-17D.”

PROVISIONAL MP4-19 TEST SCHEDULE

25th – 27th November 2003 - Circuit de la Comunitat, Valencia, Spain

Driver – David Coulthard

2nd – 4th December 2003 – Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain

Driver – Kimi Raikkonen

9th – 11th December 2003 - Circuit de Jerez, Jerez, Spain

Driver – David Coulthard
 

 

Team McLaren member good luck messages October 10, 2003
 
MESSAGES FOR WEST McLAREN MERCEDES AT THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX FROM TEAM McLAREN FORUM MEMBERS

Thank you to all of you who have sent a personal message through to Kimi, David and the team giving them your good wishes for this weekend. Your messages are listed below.

Dear David, Kimi and everyone at Team McLaren Mercedes,
What a great season everyone has had at Team McLaren Mercedes and I hope we can have a great finish to a great season. Kimi winning the Championship and David completing the 1-2 for the team. Mark Davidson

David and Kimi,
Thank you for a fantastic season and we all look forward to continued success in 2004. You guys are favorites in the U.S. and those of us who follow F1 in the States can't wait to see you at Indy next year! No matter what the results are in Japan, you guys are the best and are Champions in our book. F1 USA

Dear David and Kimi.
Thankyou for the best season yet in years. You can do it in Japan Kimi, and hope you can do good too David. Best drivers ever. McLarenman

To David, Kimi and all the Team
A big thankyou for giving it your all in 2003. So tantalizingly close Kimi - all the best for a fantastic finale!! And David - Go Man Go!! Best wishes from New Zealand. Sandy Bilbe

 
Kimi with good luck message

Kimi receives Team McLaren member best wishes for this weekend


 
They can beat us, but they can´t defeat us !!! Good luck in Japan. Biljana Repinc

David, Kimi, Ron and all the Team McLaren Mercedes people,
I want to wish you all good luck over there in Japan and I hope you can make all the Team McLaren Mercedes fans all over the world very proud. I hope that Kimi takes the title and for David it was bad luck, but next year it’s probably your year. Senna4ever

To David, Kimi and the team
Thank you for one of the most exciting seasons ever. Whatever the outcome on Sunday we've had a great year. Good Luck. Steve Jordan

To Everyone at Team McLaren Mercedes,
Thanks for an incredibly entertaining season!! It was great to see the team competing at the sharp end of the grid again this season, picking up many points and now going into the final round in Japan chasing the Drivers’ Championship. It’s not over until the chequered flag so we'll all be behind you to the bitter end. Good luck to Kimi and David out on the track over the weekend and to all of those people who make a grand prix weekend possible!! Thanks McLaren! All the best, Mark

To the whole Team McLaren Mercedes team,
Kimi and David good luck on Sunday and bring the World Championship title for drivers home. Filip, Kristel, Devin, Cynthia and little Sennainia

Team McLaren Mercedes, David and Kimi....
... there's no one better than you in racing... and thanks a lot for a great season... I'm really looking forward to getting all championships next year. Matthew

To David, Kimi, Ron, Norbert, and the rest of Team McLaren Mercedes
... Congratulations on a successful season! Good luck this weekend, and a good result will only add to your success! Regards Steve V - Canada

Good luck for the final race - the whole team have done a great job & deserve the best result possible!

Most of all I wanna wish Kimi all the best for the race - you have been awesome this year & really shown why we love supporting you so much! If things don't go our way there is of course next year & I know you'll go flat out again to put the rest in their places! We are behind you all the way!

All the best & my fingers will be crossed so tight they hurt! Love Jemela Durrant, Jake Coventry, Theo Durrant, Joe Durrant & Stephen Durrant

 
David with good luck message

David reads the messsage of support from Team McLaren members


 
Good luck to everyone at Team McLaren Mercedes this weekend. Cracking season. Let's give them the old 1, 2 on the podium! Jeannie

To Team McLaren Mercedes. My best good luck wishes, the best achievements always come against the odds, no matter what happens, we will always be with you. Regards from Brazil, home of two McLaren champs. Robert Fernandez

Good luck Team McLaren Mercedes and thank you for a great season. Whatever happens at Suzuka and the brilliant days we have had with you. Billy, Maria, Anthony, James, Leanne and Lauren

Great season, Good luck to Team McLaren Mercedes this weekend. Come on Kimi you know you can win and come on David. Samantha Hindson

Good Luck Team McLaren Mercedes! Clay Colvin, California, USA

The best of luck to all of you at Team McLaren Mercedes and bring that title back where it rightfully belongs this weekend. Adrian

Kimi and David, I wish you good luck at Sunday's Japanese GP, fingers crossed the car stays in one piece and hope one of you can finish the season like we begun, with a victory and hopefully a first world title for Kimi!

GO DC GO. GO KIMI GO! Snekuem

To Ron, David, and Kimi
Good luck on Sunday. I really can’t say anything different to what these guys have already said, but I know Kimi can do it. Silence the world of doubters, come on Team McLaren Mercedes. McLaren4eva

 

West McLaren Mercedes MP4-18 to Conduct First Test May 20, 2003
 

The West McLaren Mercedes MP4-18 Formula One car will make its testing debut on Wednesday 21st May 2003 at the Paul Ricard circuit, in the South of France. Third Driver Alexander Wurz will drive the MP4-18 during the course of the three-day test session. The details of the race introduction of the new car will be confirmed at a later date once the car has fulfilled the team`s expectations with regard to reliability and speed. The Paul Ricard test will also see West McLaren Mercedes drivers David Coulthard and Kimi Raikkonen continue the development of the 17-D together with test driver Pedro de la Rosa.    
The MP4-18 incorporates a number of visible differences. These include a shorter and lower nose, a more tightly packaged rear and a slight dorsal fin shaping to the engine cover. In addition the new Mercedes-Benz engine, the FO 110P V10, has been lowered within the car, producing centre of gravity benefits.    
The MP4-18`s programme at the Paul Ricard test will see the team focusing on systems, aerodynamic and components evaluation. After the first test, the West McLaren Mercedes team will continue the car`s development schedule and once the initial programme has been completed, David Coulthard and Kimi Raikkonen will take over.    

MARTIN WHITMARSH
"There is an obvious sense of expectancy when you run a new car for the first time, a feeling which is perhaps heightened this year as we believe the MP4-18 will represent a significant step forward for the West McLaren Mercedes team. Our long-term strategy is to re-establish the team as a consistent winner, through increasing overall competitiveness and reliability. To achieve this demands significant, rather than incremental, steps. One such step was to provide the design teams at McLaren International and Mercedes-Benz, with the opportunity to develop the MP4-18 and the new engine in a time frame which allowed greater innovation whilst managing technical risk. This approach extends to the race introduction of the MP4-18, which has yet to be finalised and will not take place until we are in the position where the transition between the MP4-17D and the new car will be seamless."    

NORBERT HAUG
"The FO 110P V10 is completely new. The engine has been purpose built for the MP4-18 to form an integral part of the car. Everybody at Mercedes-Ilmor in Brixworth and Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart have been working extremely hard developing the new engine as well as further improving the FO 110M V10 which is currently being run in MP4-17D. With the FO 110P we intend to take a further step forward to contribute efficiently to the competitiveness of the overall package."    

ADRIAN NEWEY
"The MP4-18 marks the third year working with technical regulations that have remained fairly stable, and this stability can have the tendency to slow the rate of progress. However, with the approach that has been taken to the development process of the MP4-18, we, in collaboration with our colleagues at Mercedes-Benz, have been able to push the design as far as we can, to endeavour to achieve a significant performance gain. This car has probably had more research put into it than any other car I have worked on. There are clearly visible developments to the car, such as the shorter, lower nose and the rear end. However myself, Mike Coughlan (Chief Designer), Neil Oatley (Executive Director of Engineering), and the entire design team have particularly focused on the packaging of the car. The MP4-18 is generally much smaller than its predecessor, and is quite tightly packed to achieve this. We have included some developments that aim to improve the aerodynamic efficiency, we have further increased attention to detail, and used some advanced materials in its construction. The MP4-18 is the first car designed specifically to maximise the performance of the Michelin tyres, and it has also been exclusively aerodynamically designed in our wind tunnel at the McLaren Technology Centre. Our simulation results look promising, in terms of the MP4-18`s performance step over the MP4-17D, but by definition simulation is not always 100 percent accurate, so we have the usual sense of excitement and expectation before running the new car this week at Paul Ricard."    

The MP4-18 is the seventh car to appear in the distinctive West McLaren Mercedes livery, introduced at the 1997 Australian Grand Prix, which saw the first victory for the partnership. In the 106 Grands Prix since then, the team has secured 33 race wins, two Drivers` and one Constructors` World Championships.

 

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