Minichamps 1-18 Hamilton 2008 McLaren MP4/23 diecast model car review

2008 saw a fantastic championship battle between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, that lasted all season long. Going into the final race at Sao Paulo, the duo had five victories apiece, although Lewis had a fairly healthy seven point lead (these the days when only 10 points were awarded for a race win).

But, after rain arrived in the closing stages, Massa was leading the race while Hamilton was toiling away in sixth position. This would have seen the two combatants tying on points, but the Brazilian prevailing on a countback of most wins.

Amazingly, the title changed hands after Massa had taken the chequered flag, as behind him Hamilton was able to pass Timo Glock (struggling on dry weather tyres in the wet conditions) at the very last corner of the season to clinch his first world title in a thrilling denouement.

Minichamps’ 1:18 ‘special’ of Lewis’s McLaren MP4/23 from the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix comes complete with wet weather tyres fitted, and is presented in the model manufacturer’s ‘World Champions Collection’ packaging. The driver figure also has both arms raised in triumph.

Click Minichamps 1-18 Hamilton 2008 McLaren MP4/23 to order.