Following the lead of the Lotus 72 and their own M16 Indianapolis car Mclaren's Gordon Coppuck used the same chisel nose, side radiators and wedge shape for their new Formula 1 car, the M23. Debuting in 1973 the car used the ubiquitous Cosworth DFV prepared by John Nicholson. The M23 had a rising rate inboard suspension with outboard disc brakes at the front and outboard suspension and inboard disc brakes at the rear. Initially sponsored by Yardley it scored a fifth place first time out in South Africa. They would score an impressive three wins that year; one by Denis Hulme and two by Peter Revson.

For 1974 the now Marlboro sponsored team was headed by Emerson Fittipaldi who joined the team replacing Peter Revson and promptly won the World Championship for himself and the Constructor's Cup for the team. The 1975 season would prove less successful for new driver James Hunt but the next season saw Hunt claim the title after a season long battle with Niki Lauda. The modifications for 1976 included a six-speed Hewland gearbox, refined aerodynamics and a weight savings program that saved at least 30lbs.

The McLaren M23 was never the most technically advanced car entered but sound preparation, attention to detail and some talented drivers gave the four-year old car 2 World Championships though a fifth year would prove one year too long.