McLaren MP4-23 in 3D

The last flourish of an aerodynamic era

The MP4-23 evolved its predecessor with revised wings, bodywork, bargeboards and a dense web of aerodynamic appendages. McLaren developed it relentlessly through 2008, finding strong high-speed grip, balance and straight-line speed. Beneath the chrome bodywork sat Mercedes-Benz's naturally aspirated 2.4-litre FO 108V V8, producing about 810 horsepower at the regulation limit of 19,000 rpm. The radically cleaner 2009 rules would make this one of the final cars of its intricate generation.

One point, one final-lap pass, one first title

Hamilton won in Australia, Monaco, Britain, Germany and China; Heikki Kovalainen added Hungary, giving the MP4-23 six victories. At Interlagos, Hamilton reached fifth place in the final corners of the final lap and secured the Drivers' Championship by a single point over Felipe Massa. The result made him the youngest Formula 1 World Champion at the time and completed an extraordinary turnaround after missing the 2007 crown by the same margin.