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

The Minichamps models for 2019 are starting to flow in, and we have our second Minichamps/Spark crossover. To read my review of the Spark version, click here. So whilst this is a review of the Minichamps car, it's more of a comparison with the Spark version.

Minichamps 537194304

Minichamps 537194355

Spark S6081

Minichamps have released both Sainz and Norris models, with no specific GP named, but it is clearly the early season car, around Australia and Bahrain. The immediate thing that jumps out to me (like the Toro Rosso comparison) is the vibrancy of Minichamps colours, they are just superb, and on another level compared to Spark's models, and I prefer it. McLaren have tweaked their papaya orange livery over the last couple of years, and to be honest, I've not liked them, but this car is the right level of orange being the predominant colour, bright and easily distinguishable on a busy grid, but yet nicely mixed with more black and blue.  The shape from the side is spot on with very little distinction between the two models, as you'd expect from two highly experienced and competent model makers.

Looking at a bit of more detail, the front wings are very similar in quality though Spark have a few more of the silver holding clips. The unique nose of the McLaren if also similarly modelled, though the Spark car I think is marginally too flat, or shallow, the Minichamps just hints at more of a curve in the cross-section of the nose which I think is more accurate. Both have modelled the front suspension well, with it's high mounting points next to the front wheels. Again the bargeboards are nicely done on both models, as are the cockpits, with the differences in the helmet and driver body from the two brands being the biggest difference. Spark have correctly put a black trim around the airbox, something that Minichamps have missed out alltogether.


One of the advantages of the Spark packaging is that you can easily view the car 360 degrees around, and though you get a nice presentation with the Minichamps box, especially tall box editions, it's difficult to see the right side of the car. Anyway, the sidepods, the floor all have similar amounts of detail, the engine covers also look very similar. The rear wings have the saw tooth vanes, as well as nicely modeled DRS devices. One other distinction between the two models is the rear crash structure, the top part of the rear light is silver on the Minichamps car, but plain black on the Spark, the silver representing a heat shield where the exhaust gases flow.

Both models I'm impressed with and would be happy with either one, both scoring the same score from me. If I were to choose one, I'm won over by the colours on the Minichamps car and that's what edges it for me, but I wouldn't feel at all disappointed with the Spark version.
Score: 8/10

Minichamps 537194314

Minichamps have released a test version of the car driven by Fernando Alonso in Bahrain. It has non marked tyres.

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.