With Gordon Coppuck focused on the McLaren M16 Indianapolis 500 car, Ralph Bellamy was tasked with designing an all-new Formula 1 car for the 1971 season. The resulting M19A gained the nickname "The Alligator Car" due to its distinctive pear-shaped cockpit sides. This unusual design was a direct consequence of accommodating two of the car’s three 15 imp gal (68 L) fuel tanks alongside the driver. The M19A employed an innovative inboard coilover shock system for both front and rear suspension, operated through a swinging link that provided an increasing spring rate as the springs compressed. This linkage system was later abandoned in favor of a more conventional setup with the M19C. Both the M19A and its successor, the M19C, utilized a mid-mounted Cosworth DFV V8 engine coupled with a Hewland 5-speed manual gearbox.
The McLaren M19A’s design centered around the Cosworth DFV engine and Hewland gearbox pairing, a common choice for Formula 1 teams at the time. Its most notable feature was the inboard coilover suspension system, designed to optimize handling and responsiveness. The swinging link mechanism, while innovative, aimed to provide a progressive spring rate, adapting to track conditions and driver input. The car’s fuel capacity was substantial for the era, utilizing three 15 imp gal (68 L) fuel tanks, two of which were positioned alongside the driver, contributing to its unique shape.
The McLaren M19A debuted at the 1971 South African Grand Prix, driven by 1967 World Champion Denny Hulme. Initially, Peter Gethin continued to race the older McLaren M14A, but a second M19A was constructed for the Dutch Grand Prix. Jackie Oliver took over driving the second McLaren after Gethin moved to BRM. Hulme achieved the M19’s first fastest lap at the Canadian Grand Prix, but the car suffered from persistent reliability issues throughout the season, resulting in a sixth-place finish for McLaren in the Constructor's Championship. The second car received sponsorship from Penske-White Racing for the Canadian and United States Grand Prix. Mark Donohue made his Formula 1 debut in the car at the Canadian Grand Prix, finishing third. David Hobbs drove the car at the United States Grand Prix.
The 1972 season saw McLaren secure sponsorship from Yardley of London, resulting in a change to a predominantly white livery, with only the side fuel tanks retaining the traditional McLaren orange. Denny Hulme finished second at the Argentine Grand Prix, marking the first podium finish for the M19. Peter Revson joined the team, making his McLaren debut in the second car. The Italian Grand Prix proved successful, with both drivers on the podium and Hulme securing his and McLaren’s first win since the 1969 Mexican Grand Prix. The modified M19C was introduced mid-season, debuting at Monaco with Denny Hulme, while Revson and Brian Redman continued to use the M19A until the Austrian Grand Prix. Revson achieved pole position at the Canadian Grand Prix, the first pole position in McLaren’s history. Improved reliability and consistent podium finishes helped McLaren secure third place in the 1972 Constructor’s Championship. Jody Scheckter, a future World Champion, made his Formula 1 debut in a M19A at the United States Grand Prix.
In 1973, McLaren began the season with both Hulme and Revson driving the M19C. Revson switched to an M19A for the Brazilian Grand Prix, and Hulme was then given the new McLaren M23 for the South African Grand Prix. Hulme qualified the M23 on pole position and finished fifth, while Revson and Jody Scheckter finished second and ninth respectively in the two M19Cs, giving the M19 its 13th and final podium finish. This race marked the final outing for the McLaren M19.
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The McLaren M19A paved the way for the highly successful McLaren M23, which would go on to win multiple races and championships. The experience gained in designing and developing the M19A, particularly with its suspension innovations, informed the development of the M23, contributing to its competitive edge. The M19A demonstrated McLaren’s growing capabilities as a constructor and laid the foundation for their future success in Formula One.
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