![]() McLaren MP4 (MP4/1), competed in the 1981 Formula One season | |||||||||
Category | Formula One | ||||||||
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Constructor | McLaren | ||||||||
Designer(s) | John Barnard (Executive Engineer) Steve Nichols (Chief Designer) Alan Jenkins (Chief Engineer) | ||||||||
Predecessor | M30 | ||||||||
Successor | MP4/2 | ||||||||
Technical specifications | |||||||||
Chassis | Carbon fibre monocoque | ||||||||
Engine | 1981-1983: mid-engine, longitudinally mounted, Ford-Cosworth DFV, 2,993 cc (182.6 cu in), NA, 90° V8 1983: mid-engine, longitudinally mounted, TAG-Porsche PO1, 1,499 cc (91.5 cu in), turbo, 90° V6, | ||||||||
Transmission | McLaren / Hewland FGA 400 5-speed manual | ||||||||
Power | 510 hp (380.3 kW) @ 11,000 rpm (Cosworth DFY V8),[1] 700 hp (522.0 kW) @ 11,500 rpm (TAG-Porsche V6 turbo)[2] | ||||||||
Competition history | |||||||||
Notable entrants | Marlboro McLaren International | ||||||||
Notable drivers | 7. ![]() 8. ![]() 8. ![]() | ||||||||
Debut | 1981 Monaco Grand Prix | ||||||||
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n.b. Unless otherwise stated, all data refer to Formula One World Championship Grands Prix only. |
The McLaren MP4/1 (initially known as the MP4) was a Formula One racing car produced by the McLaren team. It was used during the 1981, 1982 and 1983 seasons. It was the second Formula One car to use a monocoque chassis wholly manufactured from carbon fibre composite, after the Lotus 88 (which never raced), a concept which is now ubiquitous. The MP4 was first entered in a Formula One race at the third Grand Prix of the 1981 season in Argentina.
The chassis was designed by John Barnard, Steve Nichols and Alan Jenkins, with the car being powered by a Ford- Cosworth DFV engine.
The MP4 was the first car to be built following the merger of the McLaren team and Ron Dennis' Project 4 Formula 2 team; its designation was short for "Marlboro Project 4".[3]