Category Formula One Predecessor McLaren MP4-28 | Constructor McLaren Successor McLaren MP4-30 | |
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Designer(s) Tim Goss (Technical Director) Chassis Carbon-fibre composite incorporating driver cockpit controls and fuel cell | ||
The McLaren MP4-29 is a Formula One racing car designed by Tim Goss for McLaren to compete in the 2014 Formula One season. The car was unveiled on 24 January 2014, and was driven by 2009 World Drivers' Champion Jenson Button and debutant Kevin Magnussen, who replaced Sergio Pérez, after he won the 2013 Formula Renault 3.5 Series title. The MP4-29 was designed to use Mercedes' new 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged engine, the PU106A Hybrid.
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The MP4-29 was McLaren's first turbo powered Formula One car since the Honda engined MP4/4 which powered Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost to 15 wins and 15 pole positions from 16 races in 1988. This car was the last McLaren model that was powered by a Mercedes engine, before their switch to Honda in 2015.
Season
At the Australian Grand Prix, Kevin Magnussen and Jenson Button finished third and fourth on the road, respectively, but were elevated to second and third after Daniel Ricciardo's disqualification. The cars sported a Mobil 1 livery to honour the team's 20-year association with the brand.
The promising result from Australia was followed by disappointing performances, including both cars unable to complete the Bahrain Grand Prix due to technical reasons. The team failed to record another podium finish all season, and although statistically the MP4-29 was the most mechanically reliable car of the season with 36 classified finishes out of a possible 38, they ultimately finished fifth in the Constructors' Championship.
MP4-29H/1X1
A variation of the MP4-29, known as the McLaren MP4-29H/1X1 was introduced as a development car ahead of the team's engine partnership with Honda in 2015. After completing a shakedown at Silverstone, the McLaren ran the MP4-29H at the post-season tests at the Yas Marina Circuit in the week after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where it was driven by McLaren's development driver Stoffel Vandoorne. The car suffered problems throughout, completing a total of six untimed laps over the two-day test.
Complete Formula One results
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