– 44 race wins (more than half)
– 699 points scored from a theoretical maximum of 992
The aura
Given the first McLaren-Honda era came when most 40-year-old’s (according to
Bernie Ecclestone, fairly young for F1’s demographic), it is hardly
surprising that most of the sport’s fans get a little hot under the collar
when you mention the name.
The returning Fernando Alonso, an avowed Senna disciple, has merely added to
that sense of theatre.
30 years ago….
#thePowerOfDreams #MakeHistory #McLarenHonda pic.twitter.com/kvGHoBOn3m
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) January 20, 2015
#RecordarPorquéEmpezaste #rememberWhyYouStarted pic.twitter.com/sbjop1CJlJ
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) December 10, 2014
McLaren too, after the bashing they took over their delay in resigning Jenson
Button, have been bringing back some positivity to Woking after a dreary,
winless two seasons.
The icons. The era. #MakeHistory pic.twitter.com/GCTNBeFcNz
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) January 21, 2015
It is a name which resonates, which carries connotations of all that was good
about Formula One then. Of course, incredibly speed and technology, but of
great, era-defining rivalries.
The drivers
Senna and Prost’s rivalry is part of what has made the McLaren-Honda name
remain in the memory. For 1988 and 1989, there really were only two cars
worth paying much attention to, in that distinctive red and white livery.
Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso represent the most experienced and probably
the best driver pairing in F1 today. But they have a long way to go to
compete with their idols.
Senna: three drivers’ championships, 41 wins, 65 pole positions
Prost: four drivers’ championships, 51 wins, 33 pole positions
The hype is immense. Can McLaren-Honda live up to victories past? In all
likelihood, not straight away, but that is the target they have set
themselves for the years to come.