McLaren's Top 8 Driver Pairings Across 1000 Grands Prix

As McLaren gears up to celebrate a staggering 1,000 Grand Prix entries, it's a perfect moment to reflect on some of their most impressive driver pairings. Last season saw McLaren return to form with Lando Norris clinching the Drivers' Championship over Red Bull's Max Verstappen, and alongside Oscar Piastri, securing the Teams' Championship. This modern pairing evokes memories of past McLaren duos that have left their mark on the sport. Let's delve into eight of McLaren's strongest line-ups.

Niki Lauda and Alain Prost

In the mid-1980s, Niki Lauda and Alain Prost formed a formidable team at McLaren. Prost joined in 1984, already a race winner with Renault, and immediately made an impact by winning the season opener in Brazil. That year, McLaren dominated with 12 wins from 16 races, though Lauda edged out Prost for the title by just half a point. The following year, Prost claimed the championship as Lauda retired, marking the end of a highly successful partnership.

Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard

From 1996 to 2001, Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard were a consistent force for McLaren. They amassed 30 victories and 33 pole positions, even as they faced fierce competition from Ferrari and Michael Schumacher. Hakkinen secured the Drivers' Championship in 1998, with McLaren taking both titles, and narrowly defended his crown in 1999 against Eddie Irvine.

Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya

Kimi Raikkonen stepped into McLaren in 2002, amid a challenging era dominated by Ferrari. However, with the arrival of Juan Pablo Montoya in 2005, McLaren found renewed vigor. The pair secured 10 wins that season, although they fell short of toppling Renault in the championship. Montoya's mid-season departure in 2006 and Raikkonen's move to Ferrari marked the end of their brief but impactful collaboration.

Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton

In 2007, McLaren paired reigning champion Fernando Alonso with rookie Lewis Hamilton, leading to a dramatic season. Both drivers contended for the title, but internal tensions and a fierce battle with Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen saw them miss out by a single point. Alonso departed after just one year, paving the way for Hamilton's first title in 2008.

Emerson Fittipaldi and Denny Hulme

The 1974 season saw Emerson Fittipaldi and Denny Hulme join forces to deliver McLaren's first Constructors' Championship. Fittipaldi's triumph at his home Grand Prix in Brazil was a highlight, and he secured his second Drivers' Championship that year. This pairing laid the groundwork for McLaren's future successes.

Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna

Perhaps McLaren's most iconic line-up was Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna. Their partnership from 1988 saw them win all but one race, with Senna narrowly beating Prost for the title. The rivalry peaked in 1989 with a controversial clash in Japan, handing Prost another championship. Despite Prost's move to Ferrari, the duo's legacy and fierce competition remain legendary.

Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button

Lewis Hamilton welcomed Jenson Button as his team mate in 2010, forming an all-star British line-up. Over three years, they achieved 19 victories, though championship glory eluded them as Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel dominated. Hamilton's switch to Mercedes in 2013 ended their partnership, but both drivers left a significant mark on McLaren's history.

Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz

The 'Carlando' era, featuring Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, began in 2019 during a rebuilding phase for McLaren. Their camaraderie off the track was matched by solid performances on it, lifting McLaren to P4 in 2019 and P3 in 2020. Although Sainz moved to Ferrari in 2021, their friendship and competitive spirit have endured.

These driver pairings reflect McLaren's storied history in Formula 1, showcasing a blend of talent, rivalry, and teamwork that has driven the team to success time and again.