McLaren MP4/26A-2 - 2011
This is the McLaren MP4/26A-2, McLaren's Formula 1 race car for the 2011 World Championship season. The car was driven by their number 1 driver and 2008 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, and along side Lewis in the number 2 seat was, 2009 Braun GP World Champion Jenson Button. The car has a Mercedes-Benz 2.4L V8 engine, naturally aspirated with KERS, mid-mounted as standard.
Throughout the course of the season, the car performed well, with both Lewis and Jenson driving to 3 victories each, and along with a host of 2nd, 3rd and 4th place finishes. The results would have been more favourable for the MP4/26 if not for the dominant Red Bull's. Lewis gained his victories at China, Germany and Abu Dhabi, while Jenson achieved his 3 victories at Canada, Hungary and Japan. The most memorable being the Canadian GP victory for Jenson, as he came from the very back of the field to complete a famous drive, yes there was the help of several safety cars along his path to victory, and the unforgettable incedent that happened on the start/finish straight early on in the race where, Lewis was clearly gaining on Jenson, he made lots of ground up when exiting the final bend, as was travelling at least 20 mph faster than Jenson, Jenson turns into his team mate almost pinning him against the advertisement-boarding at 200mph!. This was an astonishing incedent and witnessing it live was quite shocking!. This move meant Lewis had to retire his car, while Jenson dropped to the back of the pack after pitting for new tyres and a new front wing!. But went on to win the race, passing Sebastian Vettel on the final lap, after he made a mistake on his very worn tyres.
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