[2] The pear-shaped cockpit sides that led to this nickname were a result of placing two of the car's three 15 imp gal (68 L) fuel tanks alongside the driver.

Hulme scored the M19's first fastest lap at the Canadian Grand Prix, but a string of reliability issues had left McLaren placing only sixth in the Constructor's Championship.

The cars were repainted white to reflect this new sponsorship, with only the side fuel tanks continuing to be painted in the traditional McLaren orange.

The modified M19C made its debut at Monaco in the hands of Denny Hulme, with Revson and Brian Redman continuing to use the M19A until the Austrian Grand Prix.

Future world champion Jody Scheckter made his Formula 1 debut in a M19A at the United States Grand Prix.