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The McLaren that won two drivers' titles

In an era of constant novelty it's difficult to think that in times past, teams could develop a single car over multiple seasons and win several titles - but that's what McLaren did with the M23, writes JAKE BOXALL-LEGGE

Formula 1's mindset is now so entrenched in the philosophy of delivering a new car every season that it seems totally unfathomable for the same car to remain in competition for six years.

But it used to be that a huge technological step could yield an advantage that ruled the roost for several seasons; Cooper's rear-engine advances gave it the edge until Lotus took the next steps via monocoque chassis that dominated the scene in the 1960s and early 1970s. The 25, 33, 49 and 72 each enjoyed more than one season at the sharp end.

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