The McLaren MP4-17 was the Formula One car McLaren built for the 2002 and 2003 World Championships, driven in both seasons by David Coulthard and Kimi Räikkönen. It was the team’s first McLaren on Michelin tyres since the MP4/2 of 1984.
McLaren MP4-17 at a glance
| Type | Formula One racing car |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 2002; upgraded MP4-17D at the start of 2003 |
| Drivers | David Coulthard, Kimi Räikkönen |
| Engine | Mercedes-Benz FO 110P V10, 850 hp at 18,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | seven-speed semi-automatic |
| Chassis | carbon fibre and aluminium honeycomb monocoque |
| Suspension | double wishbones, torsion bars, Penske pushrod dampers |
| Wheels | Enkei with Michelin tyres |
| Brakes | Hitco carbon discs with AP Racing calipers |
| 2002 championship | third, 65 points |
based on one source (English Wikipedia).
History of the McLaren MP4-17
Background
McLaren had partnered with Mercedes-Benz as engine supplier since 1995, after the end of its Honda association in 1992 and interim supplies from Ford-Cosworth in 1993 and Peugeot in 1994. In 1997 the traditional white-and-red Marlboro livery, used since 1973, gave way to a silver and black scheme, and in 1998 Mika Häkkinen won his first title in the Adrian Newey-designed MP4-13, adding a second in 1999.
2002 season
For 2002 Kimi Räikkönen replaced the retired Häkkinen alongside David Coulthard. Despite four podiums for Räikkönen and a win for Coulthard at Monaco, the MP4-17 had reliability problems and underperformed, and McLaren finished third with 65 points behind Williams and Ferrari. The car was the first McLaren Formula One car on Michelin tyres since the MP4/2 in 1984.
2003: the MP4-17D
In late September 2002 team principal Ron Dennis announced that an evolution of the MP4-17, the MP4-17D, would be used for the early 2003 races until the MP4-18 was ready, following Ferrari’s example. Martin Whitmarsh saw untapped potential in the car and upgrades were planned everywhere except the monocoque. The MP4-17D first ran on 1 October 2002 at Barcelona, with Alexander Wurz setting the fastest time of the day. It weighed 600 kg, had a sharper nose and a revised rear wing, and used the Mercedes-Benz FO 110P V10 of 850 hp at 18,500 rpm with Mobil 1 fuel and lubricants.
Drivers and details
Räikkönen and Coulthard used different shaped steering wheels in 2002: Räikkönen’s was butterfly-style, while Coulthard’s had a lower grip; from Monaco Coulthard also adopted the butterfly wheel. Coulthard, with McLaren since 1996, hired a new fitness trainer, and test driver Alexander Wurz was joined by Pedro de la Rosa after his release by Jaguar in April 2003.
Design and features
- Mercedes-Benz V10: the FO 110P with 850 hp at 18,500 rpm, an upgrade from the FO 108M.
- Michelin tyres: the first McLaren on Michelins since 1984, on Enkei wheels.
- MP4-17D updates: a sharper nose, revised rear wing and a 600 kg carbon and aluminium honeycomb chassis.
- Pushrod suspension: double wishbones and torsion bars with Penske pushrod dampers.
- Hitco brakes: carbon discs with AP Racing calipers, replacing Carbone Industrie.
McLaren MP4-17 versions
- MP4-17 (2002): the original car of the 2002 season.
- MP4-17D (2003): the upgraded version raced at the start of 2003 while the MP4-18 was being prepared.
The MP4-17 came after the MP4-16 and before the MP4-20, and its drivers also raced the MP4-22 later. More cars are in the McLaren collection.
Video: F1 Nurburgring 2003 Kimi Raikkonen McLaren Mercedes MP4/17D
Video by YouTube on YouTube.
Sources
- McLaren MP4-17, English Wikipedia: background, seasons, technical details
