- lego has released other mclaren models and some f1 cars, but this will be the first time we get an official lego technic version of a formula 1 car.
- decked out in mclaren’s 2021 livery, the new 1432-piece model features the kinds of technic touches builders appreciate, like moving pistons in the engine, a working steering wheel, and f1’s drs spoiler.
- the new set is on sale now at a price of $180.
just in time for mclaren’s reveal of the actual new mcl36 f1 race car with 2022 colors, which happened this week, lego has taken the wraps off a large new technic set that showcases the team's 2021 livery (although the box confusingly calls it mclaren's 2022 f1 car) while still able to fit on your display shelf.
mclaren's drivers for the new mcl36 will be lando norris and daniel ricciardo in the upcoming season. the mcl36 is powered by a mercedes-amg f1 m13 e performance engine while the lego version uses abs plastic to create details like moving pistons in the v6 engine as well as wheels that can be steered from the cockpit. the 1432-piece model is over five inches tall, 25.5 inches long, and 10.5 inches wide and comes with a sheet of sponsor stickers to complete the authentic feeling. detailed lego fans will recognize the f1 car’s massive tires from the official set for batman's tumbler vehicle.
lego and mclaren released a short video showing norris and ricciardo appreciating the plastic model's active suspension and the inclusion of the drag reduction system spoiler. drs was introduced in 2011 to make f1 races more exciting by allowing drivers a bit of a speed boost under certain circumstances. ricciardo also playfully jokes that the toy model is just about the right size for norris. "i would say everything would fit but your head,” ricciardo said. riccirado also said that, while he doesn’t want to brag, he could probably build the model in about six weeks.
lego has released at least seven other sets based on mclaren cars, according to fan site brickset. these have included the elva, 720s, and senna as speed champion (i.e., smaller, more kid-friendly sets) as well as a more complicated technic set for the senna gtr that was released in 2021. lego has also released over two dozen non-technic sets based on f1 vehicles, many wearing ferrari colors or lego's fictional octan company.
the mclaren is the first lego technic version of a formula 1 car, but given the work that went into the new set, we expect lego f1 fans to build their own models based on this design before too long. the new mclaren f1 lego set will be available march 1 and will cost $179.99 in the u.s.