How do you transform an advanced Formula 1 car into a playable construction set? This was the question faced by LEGO designers when the premier racing class partnered with the Danish toy manufacturer. Fortunately, they received help from the best in the business: the Formula 1 engineers themselves. ‘We were in contact every week to discuss the designs with them,’ says LEGO designer Søren Dyrhøj.
The perhaps most enjoyable Drivers Parade ever in Miami was just the beginning of the famous Danish company’s presence on the circuit. At Silverstone, the trophies were made from the famous bricks. And during the race weekend in Zandvoort, fans could design their own racing cars in the LEGO Fanzone. Also, a playable LEGO set was released for every current Formula 1 car on the grid – from Ferrari’s SF-25 and Red Bull’s RB21 to Williams’ FW47.
Greatest Challenge
Translating the complex racing cars into smaller models was quite a task. “The biggest challenge was the shape of the Formula 1 car,” reveals Erik Ravn, a designer for LEGO Speed Champions, providing a glimpse into the design process. “The real racing cars are naturally round. You then have to recreate that with square LEGO bricks.” And of course, the car also had to be sturdy enough for races in the living room.
