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Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The chassis was designed by Paddy Lowe, Neil Oatley, Pat Fry, Mike Coughlan and Simon Lacey, with Andy Cowell and Markus Duesmann designing the bespoke Mercedes-Benz engine. The car was revealed in testing at Circuit de Valencia in Spain on 15 January 2007, and was driven by double World Champion Fernando Alonso and debutant Lewis Hamilton. The MP4-22 proved to be one of the most competitive cars of the season, with Alonso and Hamilton achieving four victories each. However, a fierce rivalry between the two drivers, combined with the 2007 Formula One espionage controversy, resulted in McLaren losing both championships to Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro. This was the first McLaren Formula One car to run with Bridgestone tyres since the MP4-16 in 2001.

In Their Own Story

The garage lights hummed low as the mechanics applied the final touch to the MP4/4's nose cone. As Ayrton Senna stepped toward the car, he ran a gloved hand over the hexagonal pattern, feeling the texture of the composite beneath. It wasn't just a logo; it was the skin of a machine built to slice through the air with impossible precision. Tomorrow, this symbol would lead the pack.

Reader's Guide

The MP4-22 featured 'some advanced engineering concepts' and 'novel aerodynamic solutions'. It was the last McLaren Formula One car to use traction control. The car proved to be the most reliable car of the season, with no mechanical retirements in any race. The low downforce package was extremely competitive. McLaren scored eight victories, compared to a winless 2006 season. The car was succeeded by the McLaren MP4-23.

Did You Know?

• The MP4-22 was the first McLaren to use Bridgestone tyres since the MP4-16 in 2001.
• The car completed 5,340 racing kilometres in the 2007 season, 45% of which were whilst leading a race.
• A unique front wing design, tested by Pedro de la Rosa on 1 May 2007, made its racing debut at the Spanish Grand Prix.