McLaren has been down in the dumps for so many seasons recently that it's hard to remember how the squad once dominated the sport of Formula 1. Back in 2007 the team hired Fernando Alonso to spearhead its campaign for a new championship trophy. They'd already clinched 11 drivers titles and eight constructors victories after more than four decades in the sport since being founded by the legendary Bruce McLaren. McLaren boss Ron Dennis took a risk by promoting the team's long-time junior driver Lewis Hamilton into the second race seat - and right from the start, the youngster made waves. He was on the podium in his first race in Australia, and then took four consecutive runners-up positions...
Full Story »