McLaren Mercedes MP4/13

The car that carried Mika Häkkinen to his first Formula 1 World Championship in 1998. Designed by Adrian Newey, it combined cutting-edge aerodynamics with a powerful Mercedes-Benz V10 engine and Bridgestone tires to dominate the season. With Häkkinen at the wheel and David Coulthard as his teammate, the MP4/13 brought McLaren back to the top of Formula 1, securing both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.

Tamiya recreated the MP4/13 on the F103RS chassis, one of their most celebrated Formula 1 platforms. With a simple yet effective direct-drive rear end, lightweight construction, and realistic narrow-track suspension, the F103RS captures the essence of 1990s Formula 1 cars. This build is run with a stock brushed motor, staying true to Tamiya’s original specification for smooth and reliable performance.

The polycarbonate body faithfully replicates the MP4/13’s silver-and-black West livery, from the sharp nose to the tall rear wing. Combined with the F103RS chassis, it makes for a model that not only drives with the character of a classic Formula 1 machine but also pays tribute to McLaren’s championship-winning season. It stands as both a functional RC racer and a detailed homage to Mika Häkkinen’s 1998 World Championship triumph.