MCL32
The McLaren MCL32, designed for 2017 Formula One World Championship representing final season of troubled Honda partnership before Renault switch, features mid-mounted Honda RA617H 1.6-liter turbocharged 90-degree V6 hybrid power unit suffering significant performance deficit producing estimated 750-800 horsepower versus Mercedes and Ferrari 900+ horsepower output combined with reliability issues, paired with eight-speed seamless-shift sequential transmission. Revolutionary 2017 technical regulations permitted 25% increased downforce through wider dimensions creating aggressive aerodynamic development featuring distinctive papaya orange livery reviving historic McLaren racing colors, achieving minimum 728 kg weight meeting FIA specifications despite ongoing power unit challenges fundamentally limiting championship competitiveness.
The MCL32 represents McLaren troubled Honda partnership nadir driven by Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne achieving zero podium finishes throughout season with best result sixth position at Spanish Grand Prix, ultimately securing ninth position in Constructors Championship demonstrating superior McLaren chassis design handicapped by catastrophic Honda power unit deficiencies. Historic Indianapolis 500 participation attempt for Alonso ended in dramatic engine failure highlighting ongoing reliability concerns, while mid-season testing revealed estimated 100+ horsepower deficit versus Mercedes creating insurmountable performance gap despite Adrian Newey-influenced aerodynamic excellence. Advanced chassis features carbon fiber monocoque construction designed by Tim Goss technical team, sophisticated suspension geometry, and comprehensive aerodynamic package maximizing regulatory freedoms creating exceptional cornering capability undermined by straight-line speed disadvantage. The MCL32 established lowest point in modern McLaren Formula One history accumulating just 30 championship points throughout season, prompting Honda partnership termination and emergency Renault engine supply agreement for 2018 representing crucial turning point forcing McLaren reassessment of works engine partnership strategy ultimately leading to Mercedes customer power unit adoption creating path toward midfield competitiveness recovery throughout subsequent seasons establishing MCL32 as cautionary tale regarding power unit importance in hybrid era Formula One competition.