Sign InLando Norris Takes the LEGO Technic McLaren P1 for a Spin at Silverstone
September 13, 2024 3:17 PM
By: MPH Team
In one of the most ambitious collaborations to date, Team McLaren’s Formula 1 driver Lando Norris recently took the wheel of a life-size LEGO Technic McLaren P1 at the legendary Silverstone Circuit. Built with over 342,000 LEGO Technic pieces, this fully drivable hypercar has captivated both motorsport enthusiasts and LEGO fans alike. Driving around the 3.66-mile Silverstone track, Norris made history for both brands by becoming the first F1 driver to pilot a life-size LEGO car that not only turned corners but completed a full lap.
The idea for the life-size McLaren P1 LEGO build started back in July 2024, following the successful release of the 1:8-scale LEGO Technic McLaren P1. This sparked the imaginations of both McLaren and LEGO teams—could they scale up the concept and make a functional 1:1 version? What began as an ambitious idea quickly turned into one of the most impressive crossovers between automotive engineering and toy craftsmanship.
Building the LEGO McLaren P1 took a whopping 8,344 hours, with a team of 23 design, engineering, and building specialists working meticulously to bring this dream to life. Every detail, from the aerodynamic shape to the hybrid powertrain, was considered in this project. Incredibly, the LEGO McLaren P1 mirrors the dimensions of its real-world counterpart, measuring 196 inches long, 82.7 inches wide, and 44.6 inches high.
The LEGO P1 vs. The Real McLaren P1
Though the LEGO model weighs in at 2,689 pounds, about 400 pounds lighter than the original McLaren P1 hypercar, it doesn't quite match up in terms of horsepower. Unlike the real McLaren P1, which features a V8 hybrid engine, the LEGO version features a powertrain made up of 768 LEGO electric motors, grouped into eight motor packs. This setup, while not matching the real car's 900+ horsepower output, was enough to propel the LEGO car to speeds of 50-60 km/h (about 30-37 mph) on the Silverstone track. These motor packs were designed as an homage to the V8 engine of the original car, ensuring that the spirit of the P1 was captured in brick form.
Lando Norris took full advantage of this during his test drive at Silverstone. While the LEGO McLaren P1 isn’t designed for blistering lap times, Norris was able to guide it smoothly through Silverstone’s fast straights and technical turns.
This LEGO Technic McLaren P1 is the first full-size LEGO car capable of turning corners and completing a lap on a racetrack. Previous large-scale LEGO builds, such as the Bugatti Chiron, were not designed to handle turns or complete laps.
From the Workshop to the Track
The process of building the LEGO Technic McLaren P1 was as much about precision as it was about creativity. Designers and engineers spent countless hours ensuring that the vehicle not only resembled the real McLaren P1 but functioned like one. The team had to overcome the challenge of constructing a structurally sound vehicle from plastic bricks while maintaining the functionality needed for it to drive.
The result is a 342,817-brick creation featuring functional steering, an electric powertrain, and a suspension system that allows it to handle like a true hypercar.
Lando Norris, who’s used to handling high-performance machines, was thoroughly impressed. “Driving the LEGO Technic McLaren P1 was surreal,” Norris commented. “The attention to detail and the way it handled on track were impressive. It’s incredible to see what can be achieved with LEGO bricks.”
For McLaren, the project was another opportunity to showcase their commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of motorsport. Even though the LEGO McLaren P1 doesn’t come close to the power output of the real thing, the achievement lies in creating a fully operational model that can actually handle real-world driving conditions.
What’s Next for the LEGO McLaren P1?
Following its debut at Silverstone, the life-size LEGO McLaren P1 is set to embark on a global tour, appearing at some of the most prestigious automotive events around the world. Fans will get a chance to see this unique creation at venues like the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Tokyo Motor Show and Monterey Car Week. These events will give McLaren and LEGO enthusiasts the chance to experience this historic collaboration up close.
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