1/43 Model Review: 2019 McLaren MCL34 Renault (Spark)

After a terrible end to the 2018 season where the McLarens were regularly near the rear of the field, the team were looking to rebuild for 2019. All the bravado from the beginning of 2018 and prior is gone, new staff and new drivers, and the team are looking to improve to be the best in the midfield. So far, the McLaren's have impressed, Sainz has led the team well but has been unlucky with reliability issues. Lando Norris is slowly gaining confidence, putting in some strong performances and showing signs of the star that has won many lower categories. As things stand (in July 2019), McLaren are comfortably fourth in the Championship.

Spark, as they have done for the last few seasons, have been quick off the mark in producing an early season version of the car in beautiful resin. Personally, I love the 2019 livery, by far the best orange livery they have ran since they were running grey/black cars. The blends of the black and the blue have helped too.

Spark S6081

Spark S6082

I have tended to prefer Minichamps cars over Spark ones, particularly since they started producing resin models. However, the Spark cars are generally cheaper, and they have been doing more special versions. Proportionally, the car seems fantastic, nothing feels out of place and looks pretty accurate to the real thing.

The change in regulations has helped Spark I feel. The front wing is now limited to 5 elements, and Spark have done a great job in defining each plane. The barge board area has been reduced in the regulations though that hasn't stopped the teams from putting lots of detail in that area. Again Spark have done a nice job here. The halo nicely covers the helmets, though the 2019 version doesn't look terrible. The suspension on both front and rear are expertly done and they have done a good job with all the complexity on the rear fins.

The detail on the DRS on the rear wing is fabulous, and the steering wheel is good too. There's also nice detail on the wheel rims and the diffuser.
Both the Norris and Sainz cars are based on the opening Australian GP.

This is a strong start to 2019, and for me, Spark have delivered a great model.
Score: 8/10

Other Versions

US GP

Spark S6050

This version comes with a pitboard celebrating Carlo's 100th GP. 

Brazilian GP

Spark S6048

This version comes with a trophy and pitboard commemorating Sainz's first podium in F1.