Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

History in F1

After Ferrari, McLaren is the second oldest team in the F1 line-up, having started up in 1966. Founded by Bruce McLaren, he was the team principal for four years, from start-up. Famous drivers have driven for Team McLaren, such as Jackie Oliver, Denny Hulme, Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet, Niki Lauda, David Coulthard, Alain Prost, Keke Rosberg and Ayrton Senna. The team has an impressive track record and was well on the way to become the Constructors’ Champion for the 2010 season, but missed out and came in second place.

Information

McLaren has been an extremely successful team, having won eight Constructor’s Championship and 12 Driver’s Championships. The team has consistently placed in the top five for the Constructors’ Championships in the past ten years and has an impressive record. McLaren just missed the Constructors’ Championship title in 2010 and with two top-class drivers, is no doubt hungry to win in 2011.

Technical Details & Statistics

Team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes are using the MP4-26 chassis and Mercedes FO 108Y engine. The new chassis for the season was introduced in February in Germany and tested in Valencia.

Base: Woking (UK)
Team Principal: Martin Whitmarsh
Main drivers: Lewis Hamilton & Jenson Button
Engine: Mercedes FO 108Y
Chassis: MP4-26
Debut F1 Season: 1966
World Championship Titles: 8
Highest race finish: 1 (x169)
Pole Position: 146
Fastest lap times: 143

Drivers

Driver 1: Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton quickly rose through the ranks of Formula Renault, Formula Three Euroseries and GP2 Series to enter the F1 scene in 2007. From there, he has surpassed any expectations anyone could have had, to win the Drivers’ Championship in 2008 for McLaren. He holds numerous records, one of which is the most championship points accrued in a debut season, with 109, and the first black driver to compete in F1. He has now amassed the technical know-how and although young, is serious contender to become an F1 legend. He will be driving for McLaren for the fifth year this season. In 2010, Hamilton amassed 240 points, which put him into fourth place for the Drivers’ Championship battle. Hamilton continues to be a driver to watch.

Driver Statistics:

Nationality: UK
Date of Birth: 7 January 1985
World Championship Titles: 1
Number of Grand Prix won: 14
Pole Positions: 18
Career Points: 496
Podiums: 36

Driver 2: Jenson Button

Jenson Button rose from the Formula Three ranks and joined the F1 racing in the year 2000, debuting at the Australian Grand Prix. Button bounced around from team to team, first driving for Team Williams, then Team Benetton, Team Renault, Team BAR, Team Honda, Team Brawn GP and now Team McLaren. 2011 will be his second year with McLaren. In 2010, Button finished two Grand Prix in first place, accumulating 214 points. He finished 5th in 2010, which was somewhat disappointing.

Driver Statistics:

Nationality: UK
Date of Birth: 19 January 1980
World Championship Titles: 1
Number of Grand Prix won: 9
Pole Positions: 7
Career Points: 541
Podiums: 31