Launched in Australia at the beginning of the 1998 Grand Prix season, the West McLaren Mercedes MP4/98T was the world's first tandem Formula One car.[4] The unique race car was designed by Gordon Murray to mirror the performance of then contemporary Grand Prix grid and allows a passenger, seated directly behind the driver, to experience the power and exhilaration of a Formula One car. Safety and comfort were fundamental to the design criteria, based on the forces experienced in a Formula One car.
Incorporating many of the F.I.A. driver/passenger safety regulations, the MP4/98T has increased side-impact absorption to safeguard the passenger. Each passenger was seat-fitted using techniques prevalent in Formula One. This specialist foam seating is fitted into the carbon fibre monocoque. A six-point F1 harness seat belt system further insures the safety of the passenger. A carbon fibre honeycomb composite structure, faced with 75 mm (3.0 in) of conforfoam padding separates the driver and passenger helmet area. Specified according to the F.I.A. impact absorption regulations, this conforfoam design is duplicated on the rear of the headrest structure to protect the passenger in the event of a frontal impact. Together with the head restraint they provide rearward and frontal impact absorption for the driver/passenger configuration. A passenger/driver alert button completes the safety elements.
Numerous celebrities have been passengers in the car, including: Max Mosley, Murray Walker, King Juan Carlos and Erja Hakkinen.
- Year: 1998
- Model Designation: McLaren Mercedes MP4/98T
- Chassis: McLaren carbon fibre monocoque
- Engine: Mercedes-Benz Ilmor FO110G 3.0 litre V10
- Gearbox: McLaren six speed semi-automatic
- Electronics: TAG Electronics Wheels: Enkei
- Tyres: Bridgestone
- Dampers: Penske
- Brakes: AP Racing
- Clutch: Sachs
- Fuels & Oils: Mobil 1
- Adhesives: Loctite
- Radios: Kenwood
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