The MP4 was the first Formula 1 car o use a monocoque chassis wholly manufactured from carbon fibre composite. John Barnard’s design has been made to life following the merger of the McLaren team and Ron Dennis’ Project 4 Formula 2 team. The model designation was short for “Marlboro Project 4”. McLaren drivers John Watson and Andrea de Cesaris drove the MP4/1 for most of the 1981 season. Watson was able to bring a single victory to the team in 1981 winning the British GP. His partner, young Italian Andrea de Cesaris, who was in his first full season in Formula 1, usually retired or finished outside first 6. His only point in that season was for 6th place in San Marino GP when he drove M29F, the predecessor of MP4.
| Season | Series | Event |
| 1981 | F1WC | |
| Driver | No. | Entrant |
| Andrea de Cesaris | 8 | Marlboro McLaren International |
| Scale | Manufacturer | Collection |
| 1:43 | Minichamps | McLaren Collection Edition 43 no. 32 |
| Cat. No. | Quality | Rarity |
| 530814308 | 
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