The evolution of LEGO Formula 1 sets from 1975 to 2024

03/03/202403/03/2024Jack Yates1313 Views 0 Comments

The LEGO Group’s new Formula 1 sets are just the latest in a long line of models and much like the real cars, their designs have evolved drastically.

Formula 1 is a major focus of new LEGO sets this month right as a new season of racing has started. While the current range of LEGO Formula 1 models is exciting, they’re far from the first based on the sport and past models have been an eclectic mix of licensed or unlicensed builds.

It’s no secret that the design of Formula 1 cars has changed since the sport’s debut in 1950 and while the LEGO Formula 1 sets don’t quite cover the earliest days of racing, you might be surprised to see just how much the LEGO sets have changed as new building techniques, specific pieces, themes and more debut.

Here’s a deep dive into the history of LEGO Formula 1 sets, whether you’re a LEGO expert or new to the sets.

1975 – 1979

The first LEGO Formula 1 set was 392 Formula 1 in 1975 featuring Shell branding and a name that suggests that it was officially licensed to the sport – not just the Shell company. This was followed in 1976 by 695 Racing Car. 491 Formula 1 Racer was also released in 1977 but it is identical to the 1976 model.

The cars driven during these years look a bit different to what can be seen on the circuits today. They’re most notably identified by the smaller screens protecting the drivers and much larger tyres at the back of the cars. The LEGO sets from this decade recreate this by stacking two tyres next to each other at the back of the model.

1980 – 1989

From 1980, the LEGO Group took more notice of Formula 1, dedicating 10 sets and a fully-fledged collection within the Town theme to it. Most of these models debuted minifigure-scale Formula 1 cars but only featured Shell branding and the majority did not specifically name Formula 1.

The designs for many of these LEGO cars only tacitly resemble Formula 1 cars, as identified by their lack of wheel arches, though they’re still recognisable as the cars used in the sport despite using few pieces. 5540 Formula 1 Racer from 1986 stand out though as it emulates the fact that the front and rear tyres in real Formula 1 cars in races at this time were the same size and highlights the split rear wing.

1990 – 1999

1990 marked the first LEGO Technic Formula 1 sets, starting a storied history with the sport and the theme. Many of the minifigure-scale models greatly resemble or at least partially resemble the sets from the previous decade and still use the Shell branding. This decade also saw the first LEGO DUPLO Formula 1 set in the form of 2609 Racer from 1990. These would carry on for some time but became rare, eventually leading to a LEGO Disney open-wheel DUPLO car.

The larger and more detailed models, including those from LEGO Technic mostly closely recreated the real cars used during their respective years. One noticeable change visible in 8445 Indy Storm from 1999 is the raised sides on the cockpit to protect the driver that was introduced in 1996 after the tragedy in Imola in 1994.

2000 – 2009

While the LEGO Group would still use shell branding on LEGO sets, 2000 to 2009 marked the start of other brands and teams being represented in Formula 1 models. A major focus was put on Ferrari but the Williams team had some representation across Technic and System too. The design of LEGO Formula 1 sets changed drastically, especially for minifigure-scale models, prioritising accuracy and shaping.

It’s also worth pointing out that the LEGO sets were decidedly more ambitious than ever before, including pit stops, transport trucks and specifically naming the cars that they were based on in some cases along with the set’s scale. The aerodynamic features introduced to cars towards the end of the decade are most clearly visible within 8157 Ferrari F1 1:9 as the various wings and air tunnels have been included using curved elements, leaving large gaps in the build that are accurate and unlike most other LEGO Formula 1 sets before it.

2010 – 2019

As much as the 2000s was a huge decade for LEGO Formula 1, 2010 to 2019 beats it thanks in no small part to the launch of LEGO Speed Champions. The theme continues to this day with a brand new wave of Formula 1 sets available now. The sport has become rarer in the theme as it puts a focus on many kinds of supercars and racing leagues.

Accuracy is paramount in LEGO Speed Champions sets and of particular note is 75889 Ferrari Ultimate Garage with its historic recreation of the 312 T4 from 1979. It looks vastly different to the first Formula 1 sets from 1975 to 1977, showcasing how far LEGO building has come over the many decades. 2012 saw the introduced of stepped noses in the sport’s cars and while many models avoided this, 5767 Cool Cruiser from 2011 managed to include a stepped nose before it debuted (likely by accident as it’s Formula 1 model was an alternate build).

Also debuting in 2011 was a unique kind of LEGO Formula 1 model thanks to a certain character in Cars 2. While Francesco Bernoulli doesn’t seem to be an officially licensed Formula 1 car, the similarities in his design are irrefutable. The Disney character featured in a few models based on the movie including the bigger 8678 Ultimate Build Francesco. Even the regionally-limited LEGO Master Builder Academy recognised Formula 1 in what was the most interesting mix of themes ever recorded for sets based on the sport.

2020 – 2024

The current era of LEGO Formula 1 cars has one huge difference compared to previous years – the halo. The safety device debuted in 2018 and is designed to protect the drivers and there’s no doubt that it drastically changes the iconic look of Formula 1 cars. As such, LEGO sets based on the sport as of late have been the most different they’ve ever been.

The halo was introduced in LEGO Formula 1 sets in 2022’s 76909 Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance & Mercedes-AMG Project One. Since then, it has become a mainstay in all but one model. 10330 McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna is based on the vehicle of the same name used in 1988 that won 15 races. Similar to the 312 T4 in 75889 Ferrari Ultimate Garage, recreating a classic Formula 1 car means that it does not have the halo to be historically accurate. Otherwise, minifigure-scale and Technic sets alike all feature the device and the new pieces currently available make for some of the most accurate shaping we’ve ever seen.

Most of this decade’s sets are available now including four brand-new LEGO Speed Champions, Icons and Technic Formula 1 sets including 42171 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance.

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Author Profile

Jack Yates

LEGO has been a part of my life ever since I was young. It all started when my brother passed down 7657 AT-ST to me. It’s guided me through my early years, through school and eventually through my degree in journalism. I still have all my collection proudly on display, including my many NINJAGO sets, my favourite of all the LEGO Group’s themes. Outside of Brick Fanatics I am an avid gamer and enjoy a good game of Dungeons & Dragons.