McLaren M28

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McLaren M28
John Watson's M28 now housed at the Donington Grand Prix Collection.
Category Formula One
Constructor McLaren
Designer(s) Gordon Coppuck
Predecessor McLaren M26
Successor McLaren M29
Technical specifications
Chassis Aluminium monocoque
Engine Ford-Cosworth DFV, 2993cc V8, naturally aspirated, mid-engined, longitudinally mounted
Transmission McLaren / Hewland FGA 400/6 6-speed manual
Competition history
Notable entrants Marlboro McLaren International
Notable drivers 7. United Kingdom John Watson
8. France Patrick Tambay
Debut 1979 Argentine Grand Prix
Races Wins Poles F.Laps
9 0 0 0

The McLaren M28 is a Formula One racing car built and run by McLaren in the 1979 Formula One World Championship. Powered by a conventional Ford Cosworth 3-litre engine, the M28 was designed and wind tunnel tested during the latter half of 1978, at around the same time as Ronnie Peterson was mooted to join the team for the following season. The car was noticeably larger than contemporary designs and was much bulkier looking. The bulky design had a sharp impact on top speed, and the car was one of the slowest through speed traps. During initial testing, the M28 was soon found to have problems with poor grip as its ground effect design proved not particularly effective. However, it was still the preferred chassis over its predecessor the McLaren M26, and it was used during the first half of the 1979 season until a better design could be introduced. McLaren were never in the running for the championship with the car, however it earned points and came third in the Argentine Grand Prix, 6th in the Belgian GP and 4th at Monaco. Its drivers were Patrick Tambay and John Watson.

The M28 also raced in the colours of German beer company Löwenbräu at the 1979 United States Grand Prix West.

Complete Formula One World Championship results

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position) (results in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant Engine Tyres Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Points WCC
1979 Marlboro McLaren International Ford Cosworth DFV G ARG BRA RSA USW ESP BEL MON FRA GBR GER AUT NED ITA CAN USA 15* 7th
John Watson 3 8 Ret Ret Ret 6 4 11
Patrick Tambay Ret Ret 10 Ret 13 DNQ DNQ 10 7

* 7 points scored using the McLaren M29


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