To replace the M23, which by now suffered the weight of the years, McLaren introduced the M26, designed by Gordon Coppuck, for 1977. The M26 was lower and lighter than the M23, with a honeycomb body and suspension than the M23. Although ready in mid-1976, the M26 did not make its debut until early 1977. James Hunt won three Grands Prix with this car, but the arrival of ground effect on the Lotus made it age quite early. James Hunt, Bruno Giacomelli, Brett Lunger, Jochen Mass and Patrick Tambay drove the M26.