1/43 Model Review: 2008 World Champion: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/23 Mercedes)

Background

Lewis Hamilton drove to his first World Championship in only his second season in F1. After an impressive debut season that could have easily seen him win the championship, his new team-mate was Heikki Kovalainen who was not as competitive as Alonso the previous year. Hamilton drove exceedingly well against the competitive the Ferraris. His skill was seen in wet conditions at Monaco, winning despite hitting the wall, and at Silverstone where he won in atrocious conditions. Known for being one of the fastest drivers to ever race in F1, with a particular ability to drive around the deficiencies of a car like no-one else, Hamilton deserved to be champion in 2008. However his season was marred by penalties and mistakes, crashing into the back of Raikkonen in Montreal in the pit-lane, passing Raikkonen too soon after letting him past at Spa, and other team errors meant the championship went down to the last race. Massa needed to win, which he did superbly, but Hamilton needed to finish in 5th place. Going into the last lap he was 6th, but the Toyota of Glock had gambled on staying on slicks when it was raining. The gamble failed, and Hamilton followed Vettel past the German to take the all important 5th place on the last corner of the last lap of 2008. This model has been accurately updated to the Brazilian GP specification and sponsorship and shows Hamilton clenching both fists above his steering wheel. At the time, he became the youngest driver to win a World Championship, but has since been superceded by Vettel. He remains the first black person to win the Championship.

Minichamps

Minichamps 530084322

The standard McLaren comes with the early-mid season shape as part of the McLaren collection. 2008 was the final year before aerodynamics were simplied and the McLaren in particular was starting to get very busy in areas, with a growing number of elements on the front wing, bridge wings, growing complexity in the bargeboard areas and sidepod vanes. The early season base car was a little less adventurous and I really like Minichamps model. I love the way they do the chrome and the logos are nicely done. 

Minichamps 533084342

For a second year, there is a Fuji special edition, with the green striped grooved tyres and an updated late season shape, the most noticable parts being the nose horns and the sidepod vanes growing longer. 

Minichamps 530084332

The World Champion Collection car is essentially the same model as the Fuji car, but the driver figure has both fists raised, and it has intermediate tyres on. There are other editions of this car with the normal driver figure released a few years later as part of the McLaren collection. Overall, I think this is a really nice diecast model.
Score: 8/10

Formula 1 Car Collection / IXO

The Formula 1 Car Collection released a version of the MP4/23 and compared to the Minichamps car, this is very basic. It's not lacking in shape elements from the early season car, but it just lacks a fair bit of finesse and the silver they chose isn't particularly convincing. Having said that, the proportions are fairly well done and there's nothing majorly missing or wayward, but I'm not rushing to buy one for my collection.
Score: 6/10

Tameo / Silverline

Tameo SLK062

I can only find the one edition from Tameo, and it's another stunning model, this one based on teh Spanish GP. The chrome is fantastic on this, and so are the wet tyres. The shape is beautifully defined, the detail is amazing for this scale. All the slits are there and it doesn't look forced but just adds to the realism of the model. I can't find anything to complain about on this model, its' superb.
Score: 10/10

1/43 Model Review: 2009 McLaren MP4/24 Mercedes

Background

With the new 2009 rules and very different looking cars to the rest of the decade, McLaren and Ferrari were caught out having thrown lots of development into their 2008 contenders whilst fighting for the championships. Both teams could do little better than race in the midfield for the first half of the season. By the mid-point of the season, the team had only scored 13 points. But rapid development saw the MP4/24 gain in competitiveness and Hamilton won convincingly at Hungary. He won again from pole at Singapore and a pair of podium finishes at the end of the year saw McLaren finish the year in third place, just one point ahead of rivals Ferrari.

Minichamps

Minichamps 530094301

As usual, the McLaren cars are released as part of the McLaren collection. I also bought myself the Mercedes boxed edition as well, but it's the same car. There is also a McLaren team edition as well, and again, you receive the same car.

Minichamps B66960038

Minichamps continue to create a nice finish on the chrome texture and apply it onto an accurate shape. I like how they have gone for the mid-season version with a part of the floor cut out. The car has some nice details too, like the wheel rim cover.
Score: 8/10

Where are they now?

McLaren have yet to win a championship since 2008. They competed near the front up until 2012, but have fallen back, and have competed at the rear of the grid for the last few seasons. A works deal with Honda led to an expensive fall out, and McLaren are looking to rebuild their reputation once more.

Lewis Hamilton left McLaren at the end of 2012, not being convinced he could add to his tally of Championships, and boy did he get it right. A move to Mercedes has added four World titles to date and is looking to compete for his sixth World Championship title in 2019.

Heikki Kovalainen's reputation was simply destroyed in the two seasons he had next to Hamilton and only competed at the back of the grid for the next few seasons. He still competes in Super GT, having won the Championship in 2016.