Introduction
The 2009 McLaren MP4 24 is a Formula One car, designed to be the successor to the 2008 McLaren MP4-23. It was the first car to be designed by the new McLaren technical director Paddy Lowe. The car was powered by a Mercedes-Benz V8 engine and had an all-new aerodynamic package, which included a larger front wing, a lower rear wing and a double-decker diffuser. The MP4 24 was the first McLaren to use KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) and was driven by Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen.
Performance
The MP4 24 was a successful car with Hamilton taking four wins and eight podiums, while Kovalainen achieved two podiums. The car was reliable and competitive, finishing second in the Constructors’ Championship behind Brawn GP. Hamilton was also runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship, while Kovalainen finished seventh.
Design
The car was designed with a focus on aerodynamics, with a larger front wing and a lower rear wing. It also had a double-decker diffuser, which was first used in F1 cars in 2009. The car was powered by a Mercedes-Benz V8 engine, which produced around 750 bhp. The car also featured KERS, a system which allowed the driver to store energy from the brakes and use it to boost acceleration.
Technical Specifications
The MP4 24 had a 7-speed semi-automatic gearbox, with the paddles located on the steering wheel. It also featured a drag-reduction system (DRS), which allowed the driver to adjust the rear wing angle to reduce drag and improve straight-line speed. The car also had a traction control system, which helped to improve grip in wet conditions.
Reception
The MP4 24 was well-received by the press and the public. It was praised for its performance and reliability, and Hamilton’s four wins and eight podiums were impressive. The car was also praised for its aerodynamic package, which allowed it to be competitive on all types of circuits.
Developments
McLaren made several modifications to the MP4 24 during the 2009 season. These included a new front wing, a revised exhaust layout, a new nose cone and a revised rear wing. The team also introduced a new diffuser and revised the car’s aero package for the final races of the season.
Successors
The MP4 24 was replaced by the MP4 25 for the 2010 season. The new car featured a more powerful engine and a revised aero package, which allowed it to be more competitive. The MP4 25 went on to win the Constructors’ Championship in 2010, with Hamilton taking the Drivers’ Championship.
Legacy
The MP4 24 was a successful car and is remembered fondly by McLaren fans. It was the first car designed by Paddy Lowe, and it was the first McLaren to use KERS. Hamilton’s four wins and eight podiums in 2009 were impressive and helped to establish him as one of the leading drivers in Formula One.
Gallery of ‘2009 McLaren MP4 24’
The 2009 McLaren MP4 24, driven by Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen.
The MP4 24 featured a double-decker diffuser, first used in F1 cars in 2009.
The car also had a drag-reduction system (DRS) which allowed the driver to adjust the rear wing angle.
The car was powered by a Mercedes-Benz V8 engine, producing around 750 bhp.
The MP4 24 was reliable and competitive, finishing second in the Constructors’ Championship behind Brawn GP.
The MP4 24 was replaced by the MP4 25 for the 2010 season, which went on to win the Constructors’ Championship in 2010.
The car also featured KERS, a system which allowed the driver to store energy from the brakes and use it to boost acceleration.
McLaren made several modifications to the MP4 24 during the 2009 season, including a new front wing and a revised exhaust layout.
Hamilton was also runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship, while Kovalainen finished seventh.
The car was praised for its aerodynamic package, which allowed it to be competitive on all types of circuits.