Melbourne Grand Prix: LEGO Unveils Lifesize McLaren Formula 1 Race Car

By Alice Duthie
on 13 April 2022

LEGO Australia and McLaren Racing wowed the crowd at the Melbourne Grand Prix by creating a life-size LEGO TechnicTM McLaren Formula 1TM Race Car. Everyone loves Lego so the installation which took centre stage at the Grand Prix was a sight to behold for the fans and even Australia’s Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo (seen above).

A mastery of engineering, the LEGO Technic build celebrates McLaren’s iconic papaya livery carried on the MCL35M race cars throughout the 2021 F1 season, while also providing an interpretation of the new-look 2022 F1 Race Car.

It was a united effort between the engineering experts from the LEGO Group and McLaren Racing, including the only LEGO Certified Professional in the Southern Hemisphere, Ryan ‘The Brickman’ McNaught.

LEGO Formula 1 Car

Formula 1 fans visiting Albert Park for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne were able to cast their eyes over this incredible LEGO build of the McLaren Formula 1TM Race Car, offering a meticulous translation of McLaren’s pioneering design and cutting-edge technology that’s so crucial on-track.

“The partnership between the LEGO Group and McLaren continuously develops each time we get together for the next collaboration. We never stop trying to excite and inspire our fans by pushing the limits of possibility through the technology and designs produced, both on the racetrack and with LEGO building,” said Niels Henrik Horsted, Head of Product, LEGO Technic.

James Key, Executive Director, Technical, McLaren Racing, said: “We are excited to unveil the unique LEGO Technic model of our McLaren F1 car, a fun and engaging product that celebrates our 2021 season livery while giving fans a hands-on interpretation of the new 2022 F1 car design.

“This has been made possible by an agile collaboration with the LEGO Group team, who have truly embraced the spirit of our brave and bold approach to design. The model is a must have for F1 and LEGO fans.”

General Facts:

  • The large scale McLaren Formula 1TM Race Car model is a huge 9 x the size of the LEGO Technic set!
  • LEGO plates have been used on the model to recreate the logos as seen on the real McLaren Formula 1 race car
  • The model is made of 5 separate components: 4 x wheels, car body, suspension x 4, halo and front spoiler.
  • Just like the real McLaren Formula 1 race car, the LEGO model has been designed to allow people to sit in it thanks to the removable halo and steering wheel
  • 27 people were involved in the design and build of the LEGO Technic McLaren Formula 1 race car large scale model
  • It has taken 1893 hours and a huge 288,315 LEGO brick to build the Technic McLaren Formula 1 race car model
  • The big build measures in a total of 5.7m in length and 2.4m in width

Even the racing car drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris were excited by the LEGO model

You can backorder the new LEGO TechnicTM model on LEGO.com with an RRP of AU$279.99 / NZ $299.99.

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