Watch the Backstory on How McLaren Built the World's First Carbon-Fiber F1 Car

The MP4/1 revolutionized Formula 1. In this video, the car's designer explains how it came about.

Today, every car in Formula 1 has a carbon fiber monocoque, but when McLaren introduced the MP4/1 for the 1981 season, the idea was revolutionary. A carbon-composite construction made McLaren's car much more rigid than the competition while also being lighter and safer. Not only did the MP4/1 win the British Grand Prix that year, but it changed F1—and automotive engineering in general—forever.

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In this promotional video for McLaren's road cars (which all use a carbon-composite monocoque, as well), the lead engineer for the MP4/1 project John Barnard tells the story of how the team developed the revolutionary car. Our fascination with the MP4/1 is endless, so to hear about its conception from the man responsible is special. Have a watch. 

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