The McLaren MP4-17 was introduced for the 2002 Formula 1 season, featuring a chassis designed by the experienced team of Adrian Newey, Mike Coughlan, Neil Oatley, and Peter Prodromou.

The race team turned to Mario Illien of Ilmore Engineering to create a bespoke and honed version of the newly launched 3.0-litre Mercedes-Benz FO110M V-10 engine.

This engine was first run on the dyno on 21 November 2001, and it produced an eye-watering 845 horsepower at 18,500 rpm.

The aerodynamics of the car were developed at McLaren’s new, state-of-the-art wind tunnel facility that had recently been completed in Woking, England.

Newey altered the front wing on the MP4-17, making it thinner on the downside to draw air under the monocoque.

The esteemed David Coulthard set time records in test runs at Barcelona, giving the team hope of victory for the 2002 season.

The MP4-17 was the sixth McLaren to appear in the distinctive West McLaren Mercedes livery, which was introduced at the 1997 Australian G...