The McLaren Mercedes MP4/20A was developed for the 2005 Formula One season as a response to major regulatory changes aimed at reducing aerodynamic downforce and engine performance. Designed by Adrian Newey, assisted by Mike Coughlan and Neil Oatley, the car was engineered to maintain competitive performance despite the new rules that raised the front wing, shortened the rear wing, and limited diffuser height. McLaren’s design innovations included refined bargeboards, advanced deflectors, and optimized suspension geometry to regain lost downforce. Powered by the Mercedes-Benz FO 110R 3.0-liter V10 engine, the MP4/20A delivered a remarkable 930 bhp at 19,000 rpm. This engine marked the final V10 from Ilmor/Mercedes before the transition to V8s.
In its racing career, the MP4/20A was driven by Kimi Räikkönen and Juan Pablo Montoya, with Pedro de la Rosa and Alexander Wurz making substitute appearances. It was consistently one of the fastest cars on the 2005 grid, securing 10 Grand Prix victories and helping McLaren finish second in the Constructors’ Championship.
As the last McLaren Formula One car designed by Adrian Newey before his move to Red Bull Racing, and featuring the final V10 engine developed by Ilmor/Mercedes, the MP4/20A represents the pinnacle of an iconic era in motorsport.
Chassis MP4/20A-07:
The exceptional car we are proud to present for sale is chassis MP4/20A-07, driven with great success by Juan Pablo Montoya throughout the 2005 season, securing three race wins and three pole positions.
Montoya’s first win came at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where he started third on the grid. A strong start saw him move up the order early, and with precise race management and strategy, he held off Fernando Alonso’s Renault to take his first victory with McLaren.
His most dominant performance came at the Italian Grand Prix, where he secured pole position with an electrifying 1:21.04 lap at Monza. He controlled the race from the front, managing tire wear and fuel strategy perfectly to maintain his lead. Despite intense pressure from the chasing pack, he crossed the line first, securing a significant victory at one of F1’s most historic circuits.
His final win of the season occurred at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he once again showcased his raw talent and consistency. Starting from second on the grid, he took the lead early and maintained it through multiple pit stops, ultimately leading home a McLaren 1-2 finish with Kimi Räikkönen behind him. This was a crucial result for McLaren in their Constructors' battle with Renault.
In addition to his Monza pole position, Montoya also claimed pole positions in the MP4/20 at the Spanish and Belgian Grands Prix. His Belgian GP pole at Spa-Francorchamps was particularly impressive, as he mastered the challenging circuit in changing conditions. Although he couldn’t convert all his pole positions into victories due to race incidents and strategy calls, these performances underlined his one-lap pace and ability to extract the maximum from the MP4/20A.
The car was fully restored in 2018 by McLaren Racing Heritage and remains in outstanding condition, offering the rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a genuine multi-race-winning Formula One car, perfectly suited for historic events or as the crown jewel of any collection. Contact us now for more information or to arrange a viewing.
Juan Pablo Montoya MP4/20A-07 Race Results 2005:
Australian Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 9th Qualifying, 6th Race
Malaysian Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 11th Qualifying, 4th Race
Spanish Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 7th Qualifying, 7th Race
Monaco Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 16th Qualifying, 5th Race
European Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 5th Qualifying, 7th Race
Canadian Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 5th Qualifying, DSQ Race
USA Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 11th Qualifying, Withdrew Race
French Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 8th Qualifying, DNF Race
British Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 3rd Qualifying, 1st Race
German Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 20th Qualifying, 2nd Race
Hungarian Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 2nd Qualifying, DNF Race
Turkish Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 4th Qualifying, 3rd Race
Italian Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 1st Qualifying, 1st Race
Belgian Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 1st Qualifying, 14th Race
Brazilian Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 2nd Qualifying, 1st Race
Japanese Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 18th Qualifying, DNF Race
Chinese Grand Prix – Juan Pablo Montoya – 5th Qualifying, DNF Race