The M26 was designed in 1976 and comparing to ground effect cars introduced in 1978 look obsolete. For 1978 the car was updated by Gordon Coppuck, and during the mid-season extensive redesign in attempt to turn the M26 into a partial ground effect car was performed. McLaren drivers in 1978 were James Hunt and Patrick Tambay, who came in place of Johen Mass. After promising start of the season lot of retirements followed and the best finish of the season was 3rd place in the French Grand prix achieved by 1976 World Champion James Hunt. Italian Bruno Giacomelli, eventual 1978 F2 European Campion, entered five races in 1978 for McLaren as replacement for Tambay or as third car, when his Formula Two commitments allowed. He achieved his best finish, of seventh place, in the 1978 British Grand Prix.
| Season | Series | Event |
| 1978 | F1WC | British GP |
| Driver | No. | Entrant |
| Bruno Giacomelli | 33 | Marlboro Team McLaren |
| Scale | Manufacturer | Collection |
| 1:43 | Minichamps | McLaren Collection Edition 43 no. 100 |
| Cat. No. | Quality | Rarity |
| 530784333 | 
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1440 pcs. Limited Edition
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