McLaren beats Ferrari to car of the year

Lewis Hamilton wins for McLaren in Melbourne

McLaren’s turbulent year has ended on a bright note after its MP4-22 was voted Racing Car of the Year at the Autosport Awards.

The Woking squad lost the constructors’ championship to arch rival Ferrari after it was stripped of all of its season’s points and hit with a record fine for its part in the ‘Spygate’ controversy.

But despite Ferrari winning both titles, McLaren’s sleek MP4-22 beat the Italian team’s F2007 to the gong after winning eight of the season’s 17 races.

"It was a very, very fantastic year," said its engineering director Paddy Lowe on accepting the trophy.

"I really enjoyed it and, despite the politics, the team did a fantastic job."

"We are so proud to take this prize," he added.

"Clearly we came away without any official silverware but this is fantastic and we will really appreciate it back in the office." More at ITV Sport