McLaren Formula 1

259 pp. English, German, and French text. Color photographs throughout. "The history of Team McLaren may be divided into three phases. The early period ends abruptly with the untimely death of the company founder, Bruce McLaren, in 1970. In the decades that follow, his legacy is carried forward by such eminently capable men as Teddy Mayer and Phil Kerr. With Ron Dennis' takeover of the company in 1980, the team's engines are directed toward new priorities. One thread weaves throughout the entire 33-year history of McLaren: its rise to preeminence in Formula 1. The current situation, the epic duel between McLaren and Ferrari for dominance on the world's race tracks, comes down to a battle between two Titans to determine who is the best in the glittering high-speed arena of Formula 1 racing. The world's best racers have driven, and continue to drive, for McLaren: Emerson Fittipaldi and Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna and Mika Hakkinen. Their stories, too, are told in this book. Harmut Lehbrink has followed the story of Team McLaren from its very beginning, as a Grand Prix reporter and keen-eyed observer. He regards his friendship with McLaren pilot Mike Hailwood in the early 1970s as one of the most significant experiences of his career as a Formula 1 journalist. Rainer W. Schlegelmilch's camera has recorded the story of Bruce McLaren and his team since 1962, from the first victory in his own car at Spa to the great championship victories of Ayrton Senna and Mika Hakkinen. He has also captured the technical evolution with respect to engine suppliers Ford, Porsche, Honda, Peugeot and Mercedes. Unfortunately, his job is not an easy one; in today's high-tech environment, documentary photography is increasingly devolving to the level of industrial espionage. Which, of course, poses an added challenge..."