Alastair moves to England and quickly establishes himself as a race mechanic with McLaren. His new career as an Formula 1 mechanic begins frantically as he works on CanAm cars, grand prix cars, and even races the cars himself.

• 1967 Joining McLaren
• 1967 CanAm door catches
• 1967 First Grand Prix to Monza
• 1968 South African Grand Prix
• 1968 CanAm
• 1969 Driving the cars

By 1972 Alastair Caldwell is team manager of McLaren. Taking control of the team with superior efficiency, he leads them towards their success in the 1974 season with Emerson Fittipaldi in what he calls “a hard tight year”.

• 1973 Fittipaldi joins McLaren
• 1973 Alastair recollects the responsibilities of his role
• 1974 Famous names on the tracks

McLaren appear vulnerable as Fittipaldi unexpectedly leaves the team to join his brother’s team. James Hunt joins at the perfect time and under Alastair’s management he wins the 1976 championship.

• 1975 Fittipaldi leaves McLaren
• 1975 Hunt joins McLaren
• 1976 A heavy night
• 1976 Japanese Grand Prix

As well as managing the team, Alastair dedicates his free time to finding ways to improve the McLaren Grand Prix cars, and tidy up the team.

• 1976 The six-speed gear box
• 1976 The air-starter
• 1977 Adidas uniforms

In 1977 Alastair Caldwell leaves the McLaren team to join Brabham. Here he builds a good friendship with Nelson Piquet as he leads the team towards their 1981 win.

• 1977 Leaving McLaren
• 1979 Nelson Piquet

Alastair fights for the Brabham team with true dedication as he bends the rules to incorporate an extra set of tyres and movable skirts on the edge of the car.

• 1977 Changing tyres
• 1980 Skirts