Lando Norris takes on Silverstone in a LEGO McLaren P1
McLaren and LEGO recently teamed up to answer the question seemingly no one had ever asked - can you recreate a 1:1 scale McLaren P1 in LEGO form and whip it around Silverstone?
Well, by the looks of things, you can. The build was created by 23 specialists using 342,817 pieces of LEGO, all taking 8,344 hours. It requires 393 different elements, weighs approximately 1220kg and is powered by an electric motor made up of a combination of LEGO Technic Function batteries and an EV battery. The result is a fully functioning car capable of completing a 3.66-mile lap around Silverstone.
Tasked with completing the lap was current McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris. The 24-year-old took time away from his world championship battle with Max Verstappen and made his way to the home of the British Grand Prix, where he had secured a podium finish in July this year. Speaking to Sam Fane, better known as Seen Through Glass, Norris said the creation “felt like a car” and that the steering was “pretty good”.
Unfortunately, you cannot buy the 1:1 scale version that Lando drove around Silverstone. However, you can settle for a 1:8 scale model, which LEGO is selling for £389.99 at its stores and online.
McLaren asks Oscar Piastri to aid Lando Norris title bid
McLaren have made their strategy for the remainder of the 2024 Formula 1 clear, prioritising Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri in an effort to win both the drivers’ and constructors’ world titles.
Team Principal Andrea Stella told BBC Sport: "The overall concept is we are incredibly determined to win, but we want to win in the right way."
Norris is currently 62 points behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen with 232 still available, while Piastri is 106 points behind in fourth place. Throughout the season, McLaren had allowed Norris and Piastri to race each other, although this led to criticism from pundits who called it ‘poor team strategy’.
The most recent race is Monza saw Norris and Piastri battling for the lead during the first lap, allowing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to gain places and ultimately win the race. The McLaren is undoubtedly the quickest car on the grid right now with Red Bull experiencing a downturn in form. This led to discussions taking place after the race to agree a strategy to help Norris beat Verstappen.
McLaren are also just eight points behind Red Bull in the constructors’ championship and could overtake them this weekend in Azerbaijan.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: McLaren Automotive
video: LEGO