To remedy the lack of competitiveness of the M28, McLaren quickly studied an evolution, the M29. More compact than the M28, the driving position was advanced as far as possible. The wheelbase was shorter and the aerodynamics had been redesigned. But even the M29 was not particularly effective: the best result of 1979 was a fourth place by Watson at Silverstone, the day of the car's debut. The team also used the M29 in 1980 and during the first races of 1981. Andrea De Cesaris, Alain Prost, Patrick Tambay and John Watson drove the M29.