McLaren MP4-19

McLaren MP4-19
McLaren MP4-19B
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorMcLaren
Designer(s)Neil Oatley (Executive Engineer)
Adrian Newey (Technical Director)
Paddy Lowe (Chief Engineer, Systems Development)
Pat Fry (Chief Engineer, Race Development)
Nikolas Tombazis (Chief Engineer, Aerodynamics)
Tim Goss (Chief Engineer, Powertrain)
Mark Williams (Chief Engineer, Vehicle Performance)
Mike Coughlan (Chief Designer)
Peter Prodromou (Head of Aerodynamics)
Mario Illien (Chief Engine Designer (Ilmor-Mercedes))
PredecessorMP4-18
SuccessorMP4-20
Technical specifications
ChassisCarbon-fibre monocoque
Suspension (front)Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Suspension (rear)Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
EngineIlmor-built Mercedes-Benz FO110Q 3.0-litre V10 (90°) naturally-aspirated mid-engine
TransmissionMcLaren 7-speed longitudinal semi-automatic sequential
Power870 hp @ 18,500 rpm
FuelExxon, Mobil
LubricantsMobil 1
TyresMichelin
Competition history
Notable entrantsWest McLaren Mercedes
Notable drivers5. United Kingdom David Coulthard
6. Finland Kimi Räikkönen
Debut2004 Australian Grand Prix
First win2004 Belgian Grand Prix
Last win2004 Belgian Grand Prix
Last event2004 Brazilian Grand Prix
RacesWinsPolesF/Laps
18112
Constructors' Championships0
Drivers' Championships0

The McLaren MP4-19 was the car with which the McLaren team competed in the 2004 Formula One World Championship. The car was driven by Briton David Coulthard and Finn Kimi Räikkönen, in their ninth and third seasons with the team respectively.

History

The chassis was designed by Adrian Newey, Paddy Lowe, Pat Fry, Mike Coughlan and Peter Prodromou with Mario Illien designing the bespoke Ilmor engine. It was described as a "debugged version" of the ill-fated McLaren MP4-18, but it was not a successful car. The team suffered various problems concerning reliability at the beginning of the season, with eight retirements in the first seven races. Launch control and fully-automatic gearboxes were also banned for 2004, meaning the driver had to start using the paddle-shifters, and find the effective bite point and release the clutch manually, again. These electronic driver aids had been used by the team for the previous three seasons, since the 2001 Spanish Grand Prix.

By mid-season, a new car, the MP4-19B, was required. This was an all-new car with a radically redesigned aerodynamic package. The results were immediately positive and gave the team hope of a better end to the season. Coulthard qualified third for the MP4-19B's first race at the French Grand Prix, followed by further points and podiums from both drivers. The upgrade was finally justified when Räikkönen gave the team its only win of the season when he won the Belgian Grand Prix.

For most of the season, the MP4-19 featured a narrow, needle-like nose design first seen on the MP4-18. A wider, flatter nose was trialed at the Italian Grand Prix but was not retained. This would later be carried over to the MP4-20 in 2005, whilst the needle nose would be reused on the MP4-21 in 2006.

The team eventually finished fifth in the Constructors' Championship with 69 points, the team's lowest finish of the McLaren-Mercedes partnership since the 1996 season. McLaren used 'West' logos, except at the Canadian, French and British Grands Prix.

Members of the McLaren Formula One team push driver Kimi Räikkönen's MP4-19 into the garage during qualifying for the US Grand Prix at Indianapolis in 2004.

Complete Formula One results

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position)

Year Entrant Chassis Engine Tyres Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Points WCC
2004 McLaren MP4-19 Mercedes V10 M AUS MAL BHR SMR ESP MON EUR CAN USA FRA GBR GER HUN BEL ITA CHN JPN BRA 69 5th
United Kingdom David Coulthard 8 6 Ret 12 10 Ret Ret 6 7
Finland Kimi Räikkönen Ret Ret Ret 8 11 Ret Ret 5 6
MP4-19B United Kingdom David Coulthard 6 7 4 9 7 6 9 Ret 11
Finland Kimi Räikkönen 7 2 Ret Ret 1 Ret 3 6 2

This page was last updated at 2024-01-31 13:27 UTC. Update now. View original page.

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