Powered by a naturally-aspirated Ford Cosworth 3-litre engine, the M28 was designed and wind tunnel tested during the latter half of 1978.

Following a disastrous 1978 season, James Hunt left for Walter Wolf Racing and was supposed to be replaced by Ronnie Peterson but he was killed at the 1978 Italian Grand Prix.

[6] McLaren boss Teddy Mayer was shocked at the car's lack of performance, stating that Coppuck had dropped the ball.

[1] However, it was driven to third in the opening race of the season, the 1979 Argentine Grand Prix, by Watson, who also took sixth in Belgium and fourth at Monaco.

In addition to the McLaren team's customary red and white Marlboro sponsorship livery, the M28 also raced in the colours of German beer company Löwenbräu at the 1979 United States Grand Prix West.