The life-sized LEGO Formula 1 sets can actually drive
The massive and life-sized LEGO Formula 1 cars that debuted over the weekend have one big secret – all 10 can actually be driven.
After the huge LEGO Formula 1 cars, recreating the 10 new Speed Champions sets, were shown off at the Miami Grand Prix this weekend, the Formula 1 and LEGO Group’s teams have managed to hide one key secret about the cars. Each car was designed by a team of 26 people and took 22,000 combined hours to build.
It has been revealed that the nearly 400,000-piece models can be driven and use Pirelli Soft Racing Tyres. They weigh around 1,500 kilograms each, and around 1,000 kilograms of that weight is just for the LEGO elements. To close out the race, they’ve been paired with each racing team’s drivers for a parade around the circuit.
You can watch the video of the parade yourself by clicking here, and highlights are also being shared online. It’s not the first time that the LEGO Group has made a drivable car, but it is the first 10 time they’ve made 10 that have driven together around a real track.
“At the LEGO Group, we always aim to explore new possibilities,” said Julia Goldin, Chief Product & Marketing Officer of the LEGO Group.
“This latest creative feat is a true testament to that, marking an extraordinary collaboration between the LEGO Group, Formula 1 and its 10 teams. We know that large, drivable builds excite fans, and we’re thrilled by the response to unveiling all 10 at once. We hope these creations inspire everyone to see that with imagination and a LEGO brick, anything is possible.”
Even the steering wheels inside each car integrate LEGO elements. They’re essential for driving the cars, which can reach speeds of up to 20km/h.
“As a sport synonymous with innovation and pushing boundaries, it was amazing to see another first for our sport as the big builds made their way around the track in the hands of the best drivers in the world,” said Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer at Formula 1.
“Our partnership with the LEGO Group enables us to inject a lot of fun into the Grand Prix experience and engage new audiences, and we can’t wait to see what else we can dream up together.”
The driver’s reactions to the LEGO cars before and after the parade make watching the video worthwhile on their own, with many understandably surprised faces across the teams. Before the parade started, there was even some foul play from Verstappen.
“That was the most fun driver’s parade we’ve ever had,” shared Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton following the parade.
As the Miami Grand Prix draws to a close, it has been confirmed that the 10 life-sized cars will be making their way around the world. Details of where they will be touring have yet to be confirmed at the time of writing, as has whether they will be driven again.
In the meantime, the 10 LEGO Speed Champions sets they are based on have been available since March. You can see what we thought of the selection in our thorough ranking.
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