Lego Launches First-Ever Formula 1 Model With McLaren Racing Collab

The 1,432-piece F1 replica was announced as McLaren driver Lando Norris signed a $109 million contract.

Lego’s advanced Technic division is partnering with the papaya orange team for its very first Formula 1 race car model.

Before McLaren Racing joins Red Bull, Aston Martin and the other teams in revealing its 2022 F1 car, the British marque as collaborated with the Dutch toy brand to release a 1,432-piece replica largely inspired by the MCL35M racer that took 4th in the 2021 Constructors’ Championship.

A shrunken version of the 1.6-liter twin-turbo V6 featuring working pistons, an active steering wheel, and an actuating suspension with a differential lock are highlights of the 5-inch-high, 22.5-inch-long and 10.5-inch-wide model.

Lego even got McLaren F1 drivers Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo to give the miniaturized speed machine a once over for a photo shoot, where they took particular interest in the rear wing.

The livery and shape are clearly based on the 2021 car, as all 2022 F1 cars have substantial design changes to the front and rear wings, wheels and tires, and bodywork.

But McLaren Racing executive James Key did mention a hidden detail from the new car, saying that the Lego build “celebrates our 2021 season livery while giving fans a hands-on interpretation of the new 2022 F1 car design.”

The Lego x McLaren Racing announcement arrived just as Norris signed a huge $109 million contract extension that keeps him with the team until 2025.

The 22-year-old is coming off an impressive career-best season in which he scored four podiums, took his first pole position, and narrowly missed out on his first win due to wet conditions.

“I am extremely happy – to stay in the sport for another four years is amazing, “Norris said, per Bloomberg.

“I am happy to do it with McLaren, the team I have grown up with and, more than anything, we want to continue what we have done so far and to reach our dream which is winning races and championships.”

Priced at $179.99, the Lego Technic McLaren Formula 1 Race Car will be available globally on March 1 online.