LEGO brings Formula 1 fantasy to life with life-size drivable cars at Miami Grand Prix

Formula 1 drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen participated in a unique driver procession before the 2025 Miami Grand Prix — driving fully drivable, full-size LEGO F1 vehicles, each created in incredible detail to represent their actual machines. All 10 Formula 1 teams took their race cars and converted them into brick-built, rideable versions — made to resemble their on-track incarnations but not actually doing enough to get two drivers around the parade lap.
In a heart-stopping mix of motorsport and childhood memory, the 2025 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix brought an unforgettable spectacle: all 20 F1 drivers racing around the Miami International Autodrome in specially constructed, roadworthy LEGO F1 cars. The LEGO Group collaborated with Formula 1 to create this ambitious endeavour after more than a year of innovation — blending 400,000 regular LEGO bricks, top-tier engineering, and plenty of imagination to build 10 original replicas that functionally move.
Assembled at LEGO's high-tech factory in Kladno, Czech Republic, every vehicle is almost 1:1 scale and over 1,000 kg due to a heavy steel chassis beneath the plastic exterior. Powered by electric motors and equipped with genuine Pirelli tyres, bespoke steering assemblies, and hydraulic brakes — all firsts in LEGO history — the cars promise to be almost as good as the real thing.
The mastermind behind the designs, Jonathan Jurion, a lead designer at LEGO, discussed how the models began with LEGO's 2025 Speed Champions sets and then were digitally enlarged into fully engineered concepts. “Once we had that, we transformed that into an upscaled build using our software, working very closely with our mechanical engineers and all the departments to make sure this would be a feasible thing,” Jurion said, according to The Athletic.
Even Formula 1 teams, normally tight-lipped about their car designs, played their part by providing sufficient reference data to enable LEGO designers to accurately reproduce everything — from sponsor logos to aerodynamic curves — in brick format.
The LEGO automobiles weren't only constructed for presentation; they were functional, driven in underground garages and fine-tuned to safety and movement before being publicly unveiled in Miami.
Since each vehicle was taking about 2,000 hours to build, the 26 LEGO workers — consisting of engineers and design experts — worked day and night to ensure they met their deadline. What they came up with was a system of assembling five module sections (engine cover, wings, halo, cockpit, and back) around a central framework, which simplified construction without jeopardising precision.
When the parade finally took place, Formula 1 legends like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen couldn’t hide their excitement.
“That was the most fun drivers’ parade we’ve ever had,” Hamilton said. “Some dirty driving from this one here (Gasly)! That was great fun.”
“They’ll have to sweep the track; there’s quite a bit of Lego debris on the track,” Max Verstappen joked. “A bit different, that’s for sure!”
This project isn't the first time LEGO has ventured into car builds. In 2024, Lando Norris drove a LEGO-built McLaren P1 around Silverstone. But this time, LEGO employed its regular 'System' bricks, rather than the Technic ones, which introduced an extra level of complexity to getting them roadworthy.
Also read: Formula 1 and LEGO Group broaden partnership with exciting fan experiences in 2025
From design boards to the grid, this project embodied what both LEGO and Formula 1 are all about: precision, performance, and passion. As both companies continue their collaboration, fans can probably look forward to more brick-built magic in the years ahead — on and off the track.