Neil 01
1998 McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13
Pictured is a 1998 McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13 Grand Prix Car.
It was driven in pre-season testing by double Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard.
After losing their Marlboro sponsorship to Ferrari at the end of 1996, the iconic red and white livery that was synonymous with McLaren was replaced with a new silver and black livery in deference to new title sponsor West and engine supplier Mercedes, a nod to the age of the 'Silver Arrows'.
As the new car was due to be tested before the official 1997 livery launch, McLaren painted the new car in the team's traditional papaya orange, a colour scheme not seen since 1971.
The orange livery was brought out again on this very car for the start of testing in 1998. The car was tested extensively by Hakkinen and Coulthard and it was quickly evident that the car would be the one to beat in the season ahead.
The car pictured is, I believe, Chassis 1. At the conclusion of winter testing, the car was given the definitive 1998 silver livery and used as the spare car for the opening three races of the season in Australia, Brazil and Argentina. The car went unused and would never see any race action.
As more chassis were produced during the season, this particular car became surplus to requirements. It was returned to it’s orange testing livery and now resides at the Donington Collection.
The MP4/13s that were raced would go on to win nine races during the season. Coulthard would win the San Marino Grand Prix with Mika Hakkinen winning eight races and fending off a charging Michael Schumacher to clinch his first World Championship title. McLaren also clinched their eighth Constructors Championship, the first since 1991 and, to date, most recent.
Pictured in August 2013 at the Donington Grand Prix Collection, Donington Park.
1998 McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13
Pictured is a 1998 McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13 Grand Prix Car.
It was driven in pre-season testing by double Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard.
After losing their Marlboro sponsorship to Ferrari at the end of 1996, the iconic red and white livery that was synonymous with McLaren was replaced with a new silver and black livery in deference to new title sponsor West and engine supplier Mercedes, a nod to the age of the 'Silver Arrows'.
As the new car was due to be tested before the official 1997 livery launch, McLaren painted the new car in the team's traditional papaya orange, a colour scheme not seen since 1971.
The orange livery was brought out again on this very car for the start of testing in 1998. The car was tested extensively by Hakkinen and Coulthard and it was quickly evident that the car would be the one to beat in the season ahead.
The car pictured is, I believe, Chassis 1. At the conclusion of winter testing, the car was given the definitive 1998 silver livery and used as the spare car for the opening three races of the season in Australia, Brazil and Argentina. The car went unused and would never see any race action.
As more chassis were produced during the season, this particular car became surplus to requirements. It was returned to it’s orange testing livery and now resides at the Donington Collection.
The MP4/13s that were raced would go on to win nine races during the season. Coulthard would win the San Marino Grand Prix with Mika Hakkinen winning eight races and fending off a charging Michael Schumacher to clinch his first World Championship title. McLaren also clinched their eighth Constructors Championship, the first since 1991 and, to date, most recent.
Pictured in August 2013 at the Donington Grand Prix Collection, Donington Park.