Steve Nichols: An Oral History of Formula One's Greatest Era (1980 - 2000)

In this very special episode....
An expanded version of my recent interview with Steve Nichols, where we talk about his career in F1 - how he led design of the most dominant F1 car in history, and the subsequent feud with Gordon Murray.
Featuring a supporting cast of some of F1's greatest - like Watson, Lauda, Prost, Mansell, Hakkinen and Senna.
#SteveNichols #GordonMurray #McLaren
Chapter Listing:
0:00 Introduction
4:27 Steve's Early Years
7:16 Actual Rocket Science
9:17 Beginnings in Motorsport
14:47 John Barnard, Formula One & Project Four
21:46 The MP4/1 & Carbon Crash Testing
26:13 Lotus vs McLaren's Carbon
29:31 1982/83: The "Coke Bottle" Shape
32:58 1984: The TAG Turbo Engine & Niki Lauda
38:51 How Many Engines?
40:10 1985: The Rise of Prost
43:06 John Barnard's Departure
45:29 The Arrival of Gordon Murray
47:35 1986: Designing the MP4/3 (1987 Car)
49:32 1987: Honda and Senna Arrive
51:47 Beginning the MP4/4 Design
58:35 Job Descriptions Memo
1:01:28 John Barnard and Gordon Murray Comparison
1:04:54 The "Low-Line" MP4/4
1:07:07 Ayrton Senna Seat Fitting
1:08:09 Did Gordon Bring Drawings?
1:13:09 Pre-Season Testing At Imola
1:17:34 Prost and Senna
1:22:12 Race Power & Turbo Disadvantage
1:24:52 1989 MP4/5
1:27:06 Steve Leaves McLaren
1:30:13 The Chaos of Ferrari
1:39:53 Nigel Mansell & Launch Control
1:43:55 Suzuka 1990
1:44:47 Senna's Move to Ferrari
1:45:44 The Argument Begins
1:50:43 Ian Bamsey's Response
1:55:51 Gordon's Rumours
1:58:35 The Haynes Manual
2:00:07 Murray Threatens Nichols
2:01:22 Why Is Gordon Doing This?
2:04:31 1992-93 Sauber & Jordan
2:06:07 F1's Active Era and Steve's Return to McLaren
2:11:42 Dealing with the Ban of Driver Aids
2:14:38 Mika Häkkinen
2:15:47 Brake Steer
2:23:17 1997 - 1999 F1 Season Summary
2:26:49 Max & Lewis vs Prost & Senna
2:29:53 The SENNA Movie
2:33:09 Outro
Thanks to John Minett, David Laird, Matthew Jeffreys and Steve Nichols. Thanks also to Jon Bourne and Ellie Thompson from University of Surrey. Venue provided by Chris Drake at Lights, Cars Action - www.lightscarsaction.com
A Special thanks to Antony Marcano from @sportzntouring for his contribution.
Buy Matthew's art at: / carprofileart
Want to see your car on the channel? Email me on [e-mail]
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[@halvanhercke3321]

Wow! I thought you were just another car review podcaster with a cool British accent. Now I think of you as a serious investigative journalist and passionate motorsport enthusiast who isn’t afraid of risk or controversy. You just contributed greatly to the canon of F1 lore and tradition. Bravo!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thankyou very much!

[@rondee]

Emphasis on the cool British accent. Just kidding! The whole investigative journalism and the interview itself are praise worthy!

[@futurecat]

I'm always impressed with your ability to notice and express the same things I care about. I also appreciate your being a fellow son of classic Top Gear.

[@IsderaCommendatore]

@@JayEmmOnCars Gordon will not be pleased

[@panorari]

Thanks a lot for letting the man talk, this made it the best F1 documentation I have seen so far. Steve is a gifted narrator. Mainstream media cater to the mainstream, you created a time capsule for the real F1 fans who appreciate the battle of the engineers as much as the battle of the drivers. Awesome work!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks! This long interview really was intended as a love letter to that era of F1, which I very fondly remember

[@groovjam]

All I can say is that this has got to be the best F1 related documentary I’ve seen for a long time. Credit to Steve Nichols. What a talented man.

[@luigimazzola3871]

Dear Steve Great moment we spent together in Ferrari. My career really began with you and thanks to you became a co-DT in Sauber F1 in 1992. Thanks a lot to you and it was a real pleasure to see you in this wonderful interview. All the best and best wishes to you and yours dears. Luigi Mazzola

[@MrLundefaret]

Great appraisal Luigi!

[@justinyoung3487]

Couple of massive shout outs to you Luigi. 💪🏻

[@chrisblay]

The world is littered with people who have taken the credit for other peoples work. Good for you putting the record straight.

[@bjaburg]

Just watched the ‘short’ version. Unbelievable story. Had many discussions with people that ‘defended’ Murray. Good to see justice served.

[@gabormiklay9209]

They did it together. This tension building is just for fun from Jay. I mean really: can you believe these 2 awesome guy, who worked together has any problem with each other? It's only the audience who's not familiar with the story! 😁

[@chrispraz5198]

This man is a legend, and a complete gentleman. When he premiered his new roadster here on YT, I made a remark about something in the comment section. He not only replied, but in the friendliest, most gracious way. I hope someday I get a chance to meet him, to say hello, and tell him how much that meant! A true Gent!

[@Breakthehabbitzz]

Steve and Jay, if you're reading this: Can I just give you a heartfelt: Thank you. As an young F1 engineer trying to make his way into the sport permanently, this motivated me greatly amongst the endless job applications. Please continue to share your incredible stories Steve, you have always been a great inspirational engineer. Merry Christmas!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks for watching Christian, and good luck!

[@Cavi587]

Good luck man! Hope to see your name among the greats one day!

[@adenkyramud5005]

Good luck Chris, never give up your dream!

[@VenomousVitamin]

Go you man! Don’t give up you’ve got the will !!

[@johncarne1055]

Fantastic film thus thoroughly enjoyed it fantastic

[@markscenic8331]

Steve's balanced view of Senna and Prost's relationship is very refreshing to hear after all the crap that has been written over the years on how Senna was good and Prost was bad.

[@Richard.Hybels]

As an American I feel that I can judge a fellow American for any BS factor perhaps better than folks from elsewhere. Steve strikes me as a totally straightforward guy very typical of someone that has spent little time in New York or LA. We often say about persons that come across like Steve does, “They mean what they say and say what they mean.” These two interviews are utterly fascinating for a man that has been interested in racing for about 65 years. My first Indy 500 visit was in 1957.

[@timakimat]

This is a huge contribution to motorsport history, thank you.

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Outstanding piece of work, James! Best thing you have ever done. The fact that you do not interupt Steve is key. 👍🏻 Would love to maybe see you do a similar piece on the Williams FW14 if you could get Patrick Head & Adrian Newey to co-operate? Well done, 2.5 hours of total enjoyment on a dreary boxing day! Congrats. 👏🏻

[@PeteCourtier]

Completely agree. It’s fascinating listening about the F1 arms race. What a genuine and humble genius.

[@davidkris]

As Peter says above, outstanding work indeed! I find it humorous that Jame's standard of journalism is beyond that of most broadcast networks. Thanks for providing a new view into history with a powerful and thorough referenced piece of golden content. Well done sir!

[@Firebolt1729]

I would love Adrian Newey to be here. That man is a genius.

[@shauno1970]

If he got Patrick on the video would be 4 hours long the guy can talk, that's for sure!

[@mathewnettleton332]

@@PeteCourtier cv

[@AntoniusTyas]

I'm not a man who likes staying still for 2 hours listening to something. But I stayed for 2+ hours listening to this, and not feeling bored whatsoever. This is why I subscribed to your channel. A solid 10/10 from me.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

That means a lot, thanks!

[@NERGYStudios]

Holy cow, this man deserved truckloads of praise for arguably the greatest (most dominant?) F1 car ever, and we praised someone else.

[@Shane_Marsh]

James this is massive, I think this video will become legendary. TV producers need to take a look at what you're doing and learn some lessons. This is phenomenal 👏

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks Shane!

[@JJ-zg1hh]

Fully agree. This is even better than Sky F1's documentary series "Architects of F1" with Steve Rider. Very good indeed.

[@dinosaurdude5668]

I’ll vote for “Big media producers” take some notes from this work. Well done, and much appreciated!

[@Techo1329]

@@JayEmmOnCars Mate hats off, that was awesome. Frank Dernie would be one hell of an interview if you could get hold of him. His insights on Williams, Head, Jones, Reutemann, Rosberg, Mansell, Piquet, Newey, Brawn and more would be epic.

[@davidelliott5843]

The TV dinosaurs won’t take note. They are entirely welded to dumbing everything down with chunks of (fake) jeopardy to make it “interesting”.

[@nicelittlerunner]

Wow, Steve really did design that car, Gordon’s arrogance for 30 years is really looking horrendous for him now

[@sportzntouring]

I think what came across to me is that Steve played a major role in its design and in leading the team who's collective abilities resulted in the MP4/4... And that Murray played a small part via some helpful suggestions (rather than the major role we otherwise might be led to believe).

[@Retrorixy]

I'd like to see some actual proof than just Steve's word against Gordon. This doesn't prove anything in my opinion. Find it unusual how they are completely opposing stories

[@sportzntouring]

@@Retrorixy I'm confused... you say you'd like to see proof rather than one person's word against another as if there's no proof but... Did you watch the part of the video showing a letter signed by the design team back when the Bamsey book was released? How about the discussion of the Haynes manual, informed by the design team rather than just one person (as with the Bamsey book)? How about the part with snippets from Ron Dennis interviews about Gordon's role? What about the part showing job descriptions from the time? The video was full of evidence so I'm confused... Did you actually watch the video?

[@dinosaurdude5668]

@@Retrorixy I’m speaking as a multi degreed mechanical engineering with some advanced composite fabrication experience. With mechanical systems as complicated as a F1 car, no one person will be the sole source of design inputs. With the speed and pace of design of the 4/4, I very much doubt someone was documenting what ideas came from who. Brainstorming with the team would initially happen, then individual contributors who are subject matter experts will work to make their designated component/ subsystem fit and work within the larger system. Gordon seemed to have his hand in the gearbox and maybe push team for low center of gravity. However, total design isn’t just transported , and created something from nothing (in time frame and completely of F1). For sure much influence from the MP 4/3 would have made its way to the 4/4. My opinion anyway, on how there is no clear ‘one’ designer. And the many designer(s) from 4/3 would have played a large role in the 4/4, as evidenced by letter with many McLaren signatures.

[@PMcKay00]

Gordon Murray and John Barnard don't have particularly flattering memories of Steve. I found a few of Steve's points silly, like criticising the narrow width of McLaren monocoque. He should know full well why it was like that. There are other examples.

[@drstrangelove4998]

Probably the most authentic and lucid F1 documentary series I’ve watched. I remember the era clearly, absolutely fascinating to hear Steve Nichols fill in the background story.

[@captaintoyota3171]

Legend. Straight up a LEGEND. Actually brought carbon in. Not an idea made the connections to hercules..... just insane career

[@SachiGortchi]

I don't want to meddle in the core controversy, but I have to acknowledge that such interviews, of people in the "eye of the storm" are just priceless storytelling

[@kieferclarkf1674]

Makes me proud as an American that he was so instrumental in developing the greatest F1 car ever made.

[@danielthomas8507]

You should be, he deserves the recognition ...

[@ciaronsmith4995]

It was not. It simply had the best driver lineup of all time. Far more influential important cars in F1 history. And Murray was more likely the key designer.

[@danielthomas8507]

@@ciaronsmith4995 in order to have the best drivers you need the best team, that's how it works.....

[@timhughes2651]

@@ciaronsmith4995 when two time world champion Prost tells you it’s a championship winning car after one pre-season test, the car is probably pretty special. What makes you say GM was the primary designer?

[@MadeoN]

@@ciaronsmith4995 did you even watch the video? Hello?

[@robertosmith1]

Generally F1 drama has always been about the drivers. So easy to overlook the other major player. Thanks Jay for unearthing a fascinating segment of the sports history.

[@Holden308]

And there was no bigger F1 drama queen at the time than Nigel Mansell.

[@robertosmith1]

@@Holden308 He brought the drama but he backed it up with brute speed. A legend. Loved what that guy could do with a f1 car. Should have been a 3 time champ.

[@sganzerlag]

Wow, this is pure gold. What a fantastic interview. I'm glad the facts got straightened out regarding the design, manufacture and the racing of the brilliant MP4/4. I was a teenager at the time, growing up in an empoverished and reeling Brazil (although truth be told I never lacked for anything; thanks mom, thanks dad, you're the best). Watching Senna race and win in that brilliantly designed car, at the highest levels of World motorsport racing, was very inspirational to so many Brazilians of similar age to mine. I was a bit too young to enjoy Nelson Piquet's amazing achievements, but boy did I have fun watching Senna's carreer develop. A HUGE thanks to Nichols and all those involved in bringing to fruition the amazing MP4/4. I don't think you realize just how much positive impact yall had on us Brazilians, exactly at a time when it was most dearly needed. Best regards from Brasilia, Brazil.

[@jmurphy3350]

This is one of the most fascinating interviews I’ve ever watched. I could listen to this guy all day. Well done.

[@edwardwong654]

I am a big F1 fan, especially diring the golden age of F1 (the 80's) and being a Prost fan I remembered annoying a Hercules recruiter with my questions about the McLaren MP4/3. I believe that Steve's account is accurate and Gordon Murray's Bt55 design was partially responsible for the death of Elio de Angelis at Paul Ricard in 1986. John Barnard was really good but he was very difficult to work with. Steve is the real deal. I can't wait to listen to other video with Steve. Thanks.

[@srinitaaigaura]

Any further doubts that might linger will be gone when you see the long version of the MP4/4 disassembly video. By now you must have seen that too.

[@edwardwong654]

@@srinitaaigaura No I haven't. That and the Williams FW11 (1986 AD) are my favourite cars. Tell me more. Thanks.

[@mameokhun4319]

Steve Nichols apart from being great engineer, also great story teller, great interview.

[@marcdavis2840]

I'm guessing your not on Gordon Murrays New Years eve party list!

[@addictedtoresearch]

Top skills, James, you're the man. Steve is a really fascinating guy and you really do him justice.

[@Steedie86]

This is probably one of the best videos I’ve ever watched on KZbin. A part of me hopes that this in fact still the short version and you’re going to release a 20 hour version.

[@TheSnookerGym]

Me too!!!!!!

[@andrewgurney6019]

Perfect Christmas prezzie for a Formula 1 freak and petrol head, thank James, all the best to you and yours.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Enjoy Andrew!

[@andrewgurney6019]

@@JayEmmOnCars Did Gordon Murray respond in anyway as yet?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@andrewgurney6019 as of 26th Dec no

[@threezerol944t]

Jay, you're the best car guy putting out content, hands down. It's crazy to think not long ago I was watching you do low budget lotus vids. Been awesome to watch you bubble.

[@nordimejia5790]

Rich people tend to bloom quite fast

[@christopherlowe2200]

Absolutely brilliant story . Steve is such a gentleman , like you said there are always 2 sides to a story . well done James .

[@hugolafhugolaf]

Two sides indeed : the truth, as seen here, and Murray’s lies.

[@ineedthatcar7169]

Massive respect for Steve Nichols and a re-adjustment and re-assessment of Gordon Murray. Not because he isn't one of the greatest car people ever, that isnt in doubt, but the manner in which this whole episode was handled comes down to the insinuation that the Mclaren MP4/4 was a revised iteration of the Murray designed Brabham. That doesn't look particularly good in respect of Murray's character given what IB included in his original assessment of the car. I can see clearly now that the dust has gone!

[@DavidGossettMusic]

This man is an absolute treasure to the racing community. You hear stories about that era, but Steve brings up all these interesting little details delivered in this gentle, soft spoken manner. Thank you both so much for documenting this.

[@NormanStansfield1]

In retrospect, some of Gordon's achievements came on the backs of other people. Brabham BT46 fan car (1978), was done by American Jim Hall in 1970 with the Chaparral 2J. The BT 49 was a winner but the BT 52 had some help from BMW. This was mainly down to Paul Rosche aka "Cammer Paul" one of the greatest engine designers ever. 1400 BHP in the BT52. Again with the amazing McLaren F1 road car, it was Paul Rosche's incredible BMW M V-12. I wonder what Steve's MP4/3 would have been with Honda power. Let's not forget that Steve came back to McLaren in 1995 during the very successful Mika Hakkinen era 1998-1999. 2000 was good with 7 wins but Schumacher was doing well at Ferrari. Sadly for Kimi Raikkonen, Steve left McLaren in 2001 and Kimi arrived in 2002.

[@danesebruno]

Similar to Paddy Lowe in some ways

[@intensepete430]

One of the best programs I have seen on this era of F1. Steve Nichols perspective is enlightening and his ability to divest the emotion from bitter conflicts is only one of his very impressive abilities.

[@michelbeaulieu6208]

I started watching thinking i would watch bits and parts of this and ended up watching the whole thing. I could listen to Steve for hours without ever getting bored .

[@WheelNuts]

Just the "brake steer" makes him a legend! What a wonderful engineer and a truly nice character.

[@josefserf1926]

A great example of an in depth look behind the scenes from someone who was there! We need to preserve our history and to some, this is just as important as what you might find in any museum. Thanks also for using a good microphone.

[@mohamedalkaboom]

My new hero. I didn’t know much of Steve Nichols before this. But just going by his modesty I can tell his version of events is on the level

[@TheKRU251]

That was one of the best watches of F1 information/insider talk it has ever been my priviledge to watch.Thanks Steve. Thanks Jay. Just superb!!!!!!

[@theextra9997]

I love the style of this interview. JayEmm lets the guest tell the story instead of trying to make himself the center of attention. I've learned to be skeptical about anyone who is hero-worshipped and self-aggrandizing (Steve Jobs, Elon Musk etc.) so this is unsurprising. I hope he keeps making great content like this.

[@markward4867]

Great interview.Love the Ferrari 'pot hole' analogy. Also nice to hear an interview without annoying and distracting background music.

[@davidjb3671]

I fear your chances of a test drive in the T50 have probably gone out of the window, but on that front I can't remember seeing so much hype coming out of such a small company for so long, but with so little to show for it. The engine does sound magic though, so I'll give GM credit for choosing the best part suppliers.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I suspect you are right, no Christmas card from GMA for me

[@gmain1977]

@@JayEmmOnCars yes but you have done nothing wrong you just interviewed someone

[@jeffstover2460]

This is a tour de force and extraordinary interview! As a F1 fan of many decades, reading books by Newey, Matchett, Brawn, Hill....I learned MORE about F1 in this 2 1/2 hour than all the others. Shame on me, but I did not know about Steve Nichols until now. Thanks James for bringing this to light. The letter signed by the design team is telling. Comet GM has dimmed somewhat in my mind. Wonder what Prost's take is on the MP4/4?

[@MrAndyj007]

by god best f1 interview i have ever watched in 30 years, what a lovely modest guy. the screw mansell button 1hr 55 what a gem

[@crztank9298]

I have now watched the short and full version and all I can say is thank you. Justice served is universally appreciated but justice served when one person goes mostly unknown and the other becomes a star of the sport, is truly amazing 👏

[@clashcityrocker2051]

That was amazing ……. I hadn’t heard of Steve a week ago and now he is my newest hero!!! What a lovely, genuine man and what great stories.. And let’s all give a big boo and hiss for Mr Murray .

[@fistoftulkas7335]

Another insider from that era that says Alain Prost was the man, time's a gentleman. Great discussion about the iconic MP4/4.

[@darcycuttlefish3981]

Fantastic interview. He comes across as sincere and honest and quite humble. Along with Adrian Newey another quiet man of motorsport, one of greats of all time.

[@robertdore9592]

I could listen to this guy for days; so assured, calm and talented.

[@keithburrage1424]

Very illuminating Jay. I have been an avid F1 fan for over 50 years and always felt that Steve Nichols (and others!) never got the credit they deserved for their contributions to the sport. I think your video goes a long way to redressing the balance. Well done!!

[@sportzntouring]

Congratulations on getting this epic edit done James! Looking forward to watching this all the way through! Proud to have played the smallest part in this brilliant pair of videos and seeing you do your best work. Brilliant job James!

[@chrisbird2458]

A Fantastic insight,as to what really happened . I could listen to Steve Nichols,for hours . His F 1 experiences and knowledge are second to none. Thanks again for sharing ,possibly the best times in the’Sport’ 🇬🇧

[@eduardhenny5725]

Time for Murray to acknowledge "his" Mc Laren Team, Great Interview and with documents to back it up! No laywer needed.

[@jn904]

Savagely good content. Best 3hrs I ever spent on the YT. Fact finding at its best.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks!

[@michaelfrendo7139]

Absolutely incredible interview, this has made my Boxing Day complete. What a legend, love his insight and the Paddy Lowe impression was spot on, it’s almost like he didn’t know he was doing it but just inhabited him in that moment 😂

[@carstenschroder7054]

The best thing about Motorsport on KZbin so far. Facts are just hard to beat. Keep up your good work.👍

[@paulw7262]

Not just on You tube, I would suggest anywhere.

[@justinbedford9020]

Really good interview giving us some important fresh insights into perhaps the greatest period in Formula 1 from the technical, business and sporting angles. Might have to get the Haynes book on the MP4/4 now, though I really liked the /5 too as the V10 sounded so great. Glad there was some time towards the end to assess Senna and Prost with someone who knew them both well, and to reappraise the Senna film which I've always felt was highly unbalanced and unfair towards Prost. It also says something about this great sport of ours that someone involved in producing Trident missiles saw that role as merely a stepping stone to his ultimate calling. Thanks to all involved.

[@gaslight5]

What an achievement! An illuminating account, so rarely done correctly. Never mind done well. Steve Nichols impressed the need for good working relationships at the pinnacle of technology and how failure bleeds from a breakdown in them. So well done. This man has been very much rewarded for the faith he has put in you with this interview. Excellent

[@richardharrold9736]

A delight to hear from Mrs Trellis of North Wales... a welcome interlude amidst all the drama over the MP4/4. What I don't understand is what Murray felt he has to gain even now from denigrating Nichols...

[@fwqkaw]

..and sitting here on my right hand.....

[@loonatticat]

F1 fan? WATCH THIS!! I knew nothing about Steve Nichols. Truly unique and informed perspective. Excellent choice of visual aids to accompany his dialogue. I really enjoyed the bit where he appeared to have gotten a haircut in the middle of one sentence. Didn’t interrupt the flow at all. :P We need more of this.

[@jimz68]

Probably the best documentary on F1 I have ever seen. Well done and thank you !!

[@Desertduleler_88]

Great documentary, l really appreciate your efforts here for allowing Steve to set the record straight regarding the MP4/4. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the history of Steve’s background during his time in F1.

[@panpan7908]

James - this is brilliant. Feels like a landmark interview. Brilliantly filmed also, of course!

[@JJ-zg1hh]

Just watched this twice. You should be very proud of this piece of work Jay. So polished and so informative. Keep em coming! Thanks to all involved.

[@aojajena]

This is beautiful! I always wanted to hear from maestro Nichols directly. Thanks a lot for meeting and recording and publishing \m/ So genuine and advanced down to the tech peculiarities. This interview is one of the best things happened in 2021.

[@BenJamin-rt7ui]

As a Mika and McLaren fan, I remember being thrilled Steve rejoined the team. Ron knew.

[@paulortnakamura2968]

Hello from Brazil! This was for me the best interview I've ever seen! It is a shock to me to know Murray was not the father of MP4/4 and also the Senna documentary is a horse***! Never late to know the truth. Thanks for the interview!

[@johnjack1355]

Also Ron Dennis is saying that in an interview called "a winning partnership" or so. As far as I remember he says "Who are these people?" when he talks about the movie.

[@dadoribich3036]

Same as many will, just watched "short" version and now I'm watching this one. M A G N I F I C E N T and informative stuff I didn't know before. ...and in meantime I ordered Owner's Workshop Manual for McLaren Mp4/4 👍 Happy Christmas and even more great work and videos in 2022 with a lot of health, luck and happiness 🖖

[@helmetculture]

Jay, absolutely fucking LOVE THIS. Keep it up

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thankyou

[@hilbilchillbil]

Just watched both of these episodes one of the best things I have viewed in a long time, here’s hoping you can get more in depth interviews with other such respectful and knowledgeable people in there chosen field

[@global_nomad.]

half way through and know this is one of the best interviews on any format that has been seen for a long time. well done and thank you for the production (and thanks to everyone else for supporting you ).....

[@davidfoster1762]

This plus a Xmas present of the biography of John Barnard ( close to 600 pages ! ) will keep me very quiet for a while !

[@DanA-zx8jc]

Ha the mrs got me the same book , the perfect car…

[@davidfoster1762]

Strongly recommend the Adrian Newey biography as well. That was the Xmas present two years ago.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Bought myself a copy of "How to build a car" to read over the new year!

[@DanA-zx8jc]

@@davidfoster1762 yes i have read Neweys and its excellent

[@stephen5736]

Thankyou for a informative interview. This didn't come as any real surprise to me, and many others I suspect! When I watched Harry's Garage interview with Mr Murray on his new road car. I got the feeling he takes credit for work done underneath him. Just by some of the ways he put things. Again thankyou.

[@Joescuderia]

What a lost jewel this documentary it is indeed. Funny thing for me Ogden Utah is so close where I live and for many years I knew about the Hercules -Mclaren connection but I would never imagined that Mr. Nichols was a fellow American and such a badass hardcore race car designer.

[@markusmclaren6084]

The best KZbin video of 2021, and probably beyond! Thank you for putting it together!

[@Greyboxer]

The longest ever KZbin video I’ve ever watched front to back. Glad you jumped in several times to fill the gap. Love it.

[@ClassicFormulaOne1]

I've watched both versions and I truly enjoyed it! Steve gave away many interesting details and he was not really holding back on things. Great video thanks! Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@danielthomas8507]

James, this is world class work mate, bloody excellent...a story that needed to be told and you just knocked it out of the park ...... next level 💯 all the best from NZ.....

[@michaellorenson2997]

Excellent, James. Well worth watching this extended version, even after seeing the short one.

[@mscari]

Undoubtedly the best interview of a Formula 1 technical guru I have ever seen. Highly recommended (especially for those of us that lived that legendary period, never mind WoW, Senna and Prost were real Gladiators). Thank you JayEmm for your hard work and excellent result. PS: I was on the Ferrari side at the time by birthright, but on the Senna and Prost side by sheer driving admiration (bought both their books on driving. Now when I drive and recall Prost I use my inside hand on the wheel as commanding hand, when I recall Senna I use my outside hand on the wheel as commanding hand. Still haven’t made up my mind as to which approach is better…)

[@thomashannibal]

Excelent work! I really enjoyed both the short and the extended version. So interesting to get behind the scene and get all the technical details. Steve’s calm personality and deep knowledge leave me with deep respect for his work and the work done at McLaren. Thank you both very much.

[@financialprogressionlimite2716]

Absolutely fascinating to watch. The 2.5 hours went by so quickly. Without doubt the best thing I’ve ever watched on KZbin. Great to see the balance brought from correspondence received after the first version. Thank you James.

[@peterh9238]

This is absolute GOLD 👍 Thanks JayEmm for posting 👍

[@craigyllyn]

Having watched the short version first I was compelled to see just how you could improve on an excellent piece of broadcast media. I’m so glad I did. This was engrossing for all the right reasons. A superb way to crown your 2021 videos . Thank You.

[@mla2roos]

This content is amazing! So many golden nuggets to enjoy in this. Packed with information and fun stories and anecdotes. This is exceptional story telling and trust in that the person telling the story is interesting enough without too much distractions from over editing. I'm in awe.

[@timwhiskerd2133]

Damper engineering is a very good way of starting a career in motorsport.

[@grantsnell6782]

Great video, and exactly the right time of year to screen it. Thanks to you and Steve.

[@tomreid7]

An absolutely engrossing video, I could listen and watch him all day. Thankyou so much to Steve and yourself James. Now, he must have more stories to tell about his time in design and racing, please, please tease a little more out of him.

[@eoincassin4265]

This project is my introduction to your channel. Can't wait to check out your work...this was absolutely outstanding! 👌 Thank you very much

[@ians2868]

I’ve been watching all your videos since you had less than 1500 subscribers and am really happy to see how you have progressed. This though is your masterpiece as I love F1 and what a coup to get Steve talking for so long about a fascinating era. Thank you and happy Christmas and I hope next year is even better for you 👏👏

[@1919champ]

Just a terrific interview. Absolutely fascinating history. Thank you so much for your work on this and thanks to Steve Nichols for his honest and comprehensive recalling.

[@nigeljames1109]

Great stuff. I have watched both versions and the extra insight in the long one is fascinating. Well done to all involved. More please!

[@sardengineering]

Thank you beyond words for this, I hope it's never removed.

[@paulnowlin2901]

Best piece I have seen on the subject! Thanks for doing this, JayEmm!!

[@rubybitch6195]

Absolutely brilliant, was glued to every word. Thank you

[@stevegoodare6006]

Great watch!! Thank you for getting this out

[@dfend451]

Steve Nichols is just mesmerizing. Thank you Jay for putting this interview together.

[@robchaloner7534]

Fascinating and well presented, great job Jay. Steve Nichols seems like he could keep anyone enthralled for hours more, what a legend!

[@jamesjolly6536]

Fanbloodytastic. What a great insight into the greatest era of F1. Very humble and concise, Steve is a library of truth. And those old Adelaide scenes still send shivers down my spine. Senna was the first F1 driver I saw, going through the esses at the end of the straight blew my mind, in a Mclaren too.