Lego will be on the grid in 2026 - car revealed and driver announced

09:54, 20 Nov

Updated: 11:30, 20 Nov

byBen Winship

A Lego-branded car will feature on next year’s F1 Academy grid as part of a multi-year partnership announced in Las Vegas.

Displayed to the world in the pit lane at the Las Vegas Street Circuit, the yellow, blue, pink and black design will be driven by 20-year-old Dutch talent Esmee Kosterman alongside entries by all 11 F1 teams for next year.

It marks the latest collaboration between F1 the Danish toy company since they first announced their partnership last year.

Esmee Kosterman will drive for Lego Racing in 2026 - Photo: F1 Academy

Managing Director of F1 Academy Susie Wolff said: “We’re so proud to welcome the LEGO Group as an Official Partner of F1 Academy.

“This collaboration isn’t just about the possibility of building an F1 Academy Lego car, it’s about building belief in what’s possible.

“With our first partnership product, fans will be able to create something that stands for opportunity and representation.

“We hope every young girl who picks up these bricks sees more than just a model, she sees herself, her potential, and her place in the world of motorsport whether as a fan, engineer, driver or leader.”

Next step for Lego and F1

This announcement is the latest in a line of collaborations between the two brands. The life-size Lego cars at the drivers’ parade became an instant fan-favourite in Miami while the top three at Silverstone were all presented with Lego versions of the usual British GP trophy designs.

To accompany the new Lego-liveried F1 Academy car for 2026, a new lego set modelled on their real-life design as part of their hopes to engage young girls into motorsport.

The Lego drivers' parade became an instant fan-favourite in Miami - Photo: RacePictures

Julia Goldin, Chief Product & Marketing Officer of the LEGO Group said: “F1 Academy is levelling the playing field in motorsport, giving young female athletes a clear pathway to achieve their dreams in the top tiers of the sport.

“We can’t wait to see Lego Racing join the F1 Academy grid and are so excited to have Esmee as our driver.

“For the first time, fans can hold their favourite F1 Academy Lego car in their hands, and I’m thrilled that we’re securing female representation in racing toys for young girls.”

Las Vegas will also play host to this year’s F1 Academy finale as Doriane Pin and Maya Weug fight it out to become the series’ third champion.

The podium finisher in Las Vegas will also be presented with a Lego bouquet comprising around 2000 pieces and weighing around 1kg.

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