Page 1 of 1 Coming off the successful 2005 Formula 1 World Championship, the McLaren Mercedes team were faced with extensive rule changes. A further reduction in the maximum engine displacement prompted the introduction of a new generation of naturally aspirated 2.4-litre V8s. Once again supplied by Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines, the new V8 was mated to an updated MP4-20 chassis to create the MP4-21.
Dubbed the FO 108S, the Mercedes-Benz engine was, at least in theory, a further evolution of the existing three-litre V10. The reduction in displacement was such that the V8 could be created by lobbing two cylinders off the V10. The new engine produced around 735 bhp at a mesmerising 19,000 rpm. It was mated to a seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox, which was produced in-house and was actuated by pedals behind the steering wheel.
The carbon-fibre monocoque with push-rod suspension and the aerodynamics package was a comprehensive development of the MP4-20, which had scored ten wins during the 2005 season. This design owed much to the infamous MP4-18, which was a ground-breaking design but proved too extreme and was eventually never raced. Designer Adrian Newey had reworked the design and with the bugs ironed out, the concept turned out to work perfectly.
McLaren had retained the services of drivers Kimi Räikönen and Juan Pablo Montoya, while Pedro de la Rosa served as the test driver. The first MP4-21 was finished in McLaren's classic papaya orange colours. It was submitted to extensive pre-season testing with all three drivers taking turns and racking up a combined 8,700 km behind the wheel of the new car before the season had even started.
Anticipation ahead of the Bahrain season opener was high but a crash in qualifying meant that Räikönen had to start from the back of the grid. He valiantly fought back and and finished third ahead of Montoya in fifth. It would be the first of many podium finishes for the talented Finn but a victory would elude him. A disillusioned Montoya left the team halfway through the year to pursue a NASCAR career. He was replaced by de la Rosa, who finished second at Hungary.
It had been a season of high hopes but ultimately, the third in the Constructors' Championship was a disappointment. After Montoya, Räikönen and designer Adrian Newey also left the team at the end of the year. With the MP4-22 and Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton as drivers, McLaren bounced back once more during the 2007 season. Page 1 of 1
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Coming off the successful 2005 Formula 1 World Championship, the McLaren Mercedes team were faced with extensive rule changes. A further reduction in the maximum engine displacement prompted the introduction of a new generation of naturally aspirated 2.4-litre V8s. Once again supplied by Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines, the new V8 was mated to an updated MP4-20 chassis to create the MP4-21.