Big in Japan
McLaren's most memorable Japanese GP moments
As the most successful team in the history of the Japanese Grand Prix, we’re not short of triumphant tales from the land of the rising sun. In fact, we’re spoilt for choice. But the problem with that is, it's very hard to determine which is most memorable. That’s where you, our fans came in. We asked you to vote for your favourite McLaren Japanese GP moment on the McLaren App.
Well the votes are now in. They’ve been counted, and they’ve been verified – look at us suddenly sounding so very ‘X Factor’.
We can reveal that our most memorable Japanese GP moment is…
1. Push the Button
Our most recent Japanese GP win just so happens to be your favourite and it’s not hard to see why. Not only is Jenson Button one of the most popular choices when it comes to fans selecting their favourite McLaren driver as they create their McLaren App profile, but the 2011 Japanese GP was arguably the best race of his career – fittingly so given that Japan is something of a second home for him. He had to balance managing the gap to his rivals – Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso no less – while skilfully juggling his fuel settings.
2. (Ice)man on a mission
Kimi Räikkönen’s mesmerising drive from 17th on the grid to first in 2005 just missed out on top spot by a mere three votes, but that shouldn't take away from the victory. This was a performance from the very top drawer and will likely be remembered as the greatest win of his career. Kimi drove like a man possessed at Suzuka to achieve the seemingly impossible. The icing on the cake was that unforgettable last lap overtake around the outside of Giancarlo Fisichella at Turn One to grab the lead.
3. Hunt for glory
No surprise to see this one feature highly. Who could forget James Hunt storming home to a championship-clinching third in the inaugural Japanese GP at Fuji in 1976? The torrential rain saw title rival Niki Lauda pull out after just two tentative laps, declaring the conditions impossible. It was the climax to a blockbuster season, and unsurprisingly proved a box office hit when the story came to the silver screen in Ron Howard’s biographical film, Rush.
4. Guts and determination
There was no way this list wasn’t going to feature Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. The fierce rivalry between the two certainly left its mark on the Japanese GP, with the 1988 race arguably the most permanent. Ayrton snatched victory and his first title after charging through the field, as he fought back from stalling at the start. The poor getaway looked to have thwarted his chances – he fell from pole to 14th and Alain disappeared into the lead. But Ayrton, clearly had other ideas.
5. Suzuka in style
The 1998 title fight went down to the wire and Mika Häkkinen clinched it in absolute style, beating arch-rival Michael Schumacher to the crown with the race win at Suzuka – F1’s circuit of circuits. Little did Mika know, more title triumph would follow at the very same circuit a year later.
6. “My way”
Now for some more Senna and Prost. This time we’re talking Suzuka ’90 and that infamous coming-together between the pair, when Ayrton claimed vengeance after controversially missing out on the title to Alain the preceding season. Starting alongside one another on the front row, neither made it beyond the first corner. The collision immediately put both cars out of the race and secured Senna his second world championship.
7. Suzuka showdown
Yep, it’s that duo again. The 1989 Japanese GP is one of the most notorious in F1 history – renowned for the rivalry between Ayrton and Alain boiling over when the pair collided on lap 46 at the final chicane. While Prost abandoned his stalled car, Ayrton persevered. Despite a pit-stop to change his front wing, he battled back to take victory. However, the Brazilian was ultimately disqualified for using the chicane’s escape road to the re-join the circuit, handing the title to Prost.
8. Mika does the double
Last, but by no means least, Suzuka ‘99 when Mika bagged his second consecutive driver’s title. In the conclusion to a dramatic season, Mika put his grasp firmly on the crown from the outset with a lightning-fast start to take the lead. Once in front, he never looked back. It’s a day that will live long in the memory. And we’re set to go back to ’99 later this month to celebrate the 20th anniversary of that magical day, so watch this space and keep a close eye on our website, app and social media channels to join us in the celebrations.