The product is a highly detailed 1:18 scale die-cast metal model of the McLaren MP4/4 racing car driven by Ayrton Senna to win the 1988 Formula 1 World Championship. Part of the Minichamps Ayrton Senna Racing Car Collection, this replica showcases iconic themes and design elements associated with the legendary driver and racing team. this collectible item is a must-have for fans of Formula 1, racing memorabilia, and the legacy of Ayrton Senna.
The **McLaren MP4/4** is one of the most iconic and dominant Formula 1 cars in history, and it is forever associated with **Ayrton Senna**, who drove it during the **1988 Formula 1 season**.
### McLaren MP4/4 Overview
* **Team**: McLaren International
* **Engine**: Honda RA168E 1.5L V6 turbocharged
* **Chassis**: Carbon fibre monocoque
* **Designers**: Steve Nichols (chief designer), with contributions by Gordon Murray
* **Gearbox**: 6-speed manual
* **Debut**: 1988 Brazilian Grand Prix
* **Races**: 16
* **Wins**: 15
* **Pole Positions**: 15
* **Constructors' Championship**: Won
* **Drivers' Championship**: Ayrton Senna
### Ayrton Senna's 1988 Season with MP4/4
* **Wins**: 8 (including Monaco, Suzuka, Spa)
* **Poles**: 13
* **Championship**: Senna won his **first World Championship** in 1988
* **Rival**: Teammate **Alain Prost**, who won 7 races that year
Despite Prost scoring more points overall (without drop-score rules), Senna became champion due to F1’s system at the time where only the best 11 results counted.
### Key Strengths of the MP4/4
* **Aerodynamic efficiency**: Ultra low-line design gave it a lower center of gravity.
* **Reliability**: Rarely failed.
* **Honda Power**: Powerful and efficient turbo engine in the final year before the turbo ban.
* **Team synergy**: McLaren-Honda-Prost-Senna was a powerhouse combination.
### Legacy
The MP4/4 is widely considered:
* The **most dominant F1 car ever**, winning **93.8%** of the races it entered.
* A defining chapter in **Ayrton Senna’s career**.
* A legendary representation of late-1980s turbo-era performance.
