Life-size Formula 1 race cars are not new. In recent years, we saw life-size creations of the classic MP4/4 and the modern McLaren F1 race car, but neither could be driven. This year at the Miami Grand Prix, LEGO said, “Hold my brick.” And just like that, 10 fully drivable, near-1:1 scale LEGO F1 cars rolled out—each one repping a team on the grid, and driven by the actual F1 drivers. No, you’re not dreaming. Yes, it actually happened.
Created in partnership with Formula 1 and inspired by the LEGO Speed Champions range, these engineering flexes were the work of 26 builders and 22,000 hours of elbow grease at LEGO’s Kladno factory in the Czech Republic. Each car used nearly 400,000 bricks, weighed in at a chunky 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs), and could hit speeds of up to 20 km/h (12 mph)—slow by F1 standards, but absolute lightning in LEGO terms.
Other highlights include authentic sponsor logos, real Pirelli soft racing tires, and the sheer chaos of seeing world-class F1 drivers crawling into brick-built cockpits for a very low-speed parade lap. The event marked a first for LEGO: never before have 10 big builds been created—and driven—at the same time.
Now that Miami’s had its brick moment, all 10 cars are going on tour, bringing LEGO-fueled F1 madness to future races worldwide. Your move, pit crews. Skip ahead for a slew of images from the event.
Images: LEGO.
