In Canada, the MP4-26 claimed a second win after Button emerged victorious from what became the longest grand prix in Formula 1 history. Hamilton and Button returned to the rostrum in Spain and the latter added a further third place to his tally in Monaco. However, at the following race in Turkey, both drivers missed out on the podium, as Ferrari showed that they were still capable of taking the fight to the Red Bulls. Victory in the third round of the season, the Chinese Grand Prix, gave McLaren hope that it could continue to challenge Red Bull. A podium for Hamilton in Australia followed by another for Button in Malaysia quickly established the MP4-26 as a faster car than Ferrari’s challenger, the 150° Italia, but still behind Red Bull’s RB7. The nose remained high and long to create downforce and the MP4-26 was the only car that season to feature the aerodynamic ‘snow plough’ splitter under the nose.Īfter a troublesome pre-season testing, the MP4-26 arrived in Melbourne for the new season with some significant improvements already in place. The cooling radiators inside the distinctive sidepods were custom cut to perfectly fit the unusual shape. This was done to get the rear-end working as well as possible following the loss of performance caused by the banning of the double diffuser. The MP4-26 was noted for its unique “L-shaped” sidepod arrangement, as McLaren attempted to feed good-quality air to the rear-lower mainplane and the floor of the car. Driven by Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, the respective 20 world champions, the MP4-26 was McLaren’s challenger for the 2011 FIA Formula 1 World Championship® season.

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