Back in September, the LEGO Group announced a new partnership with Formula 1. Throughout 2025, there will be multiple F1 sets released across numerous themes. But you haven’t got to wait until the new year for a fix of LEGO® F1. A recent LEGO Icons vehicle celebrated to true racing icon and offered a taste of things to some. Ayrton Senna dominated the racing scene between 1984 and his death in the mid-90s. His most successful time was racing with McLaren and it’s that era of Senna’s career which has been immortalised in this LEGO Icons set. Before the influx of F1 sets, it’s the perfect time to take a look at the McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna set.
Product Details
Set Name: McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna | Set Number: 10330 | Pieces: 693| Theme: Icons
Number of Bags: Bags x 5 + loose elements | Instructions: Paper booklet + Builder App | Stickers: Sheet x 1 | Insiders QR: Yes
RRP: £69.99/$79.99/79.99€/99.99AUD/99.99CAD
Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online & LEGO retailers
LEGO Icons and its predecessor, Creator Expert, have bestowed upon us many different vehicles. Many of them take inspiration from iconic car brands and models. The latest addition to the line-up is similar to those past endeavours but tries something a little different to offer an interesting piece of F1 merch and a celebration of one of the sport’s most well-known drivers. Ayrton Senna began his F1 career at Toleman before moving to Lotus. His connection to British race teams continued with a move to McLaren. Senna’s time at McLaren proved extremely fruitful in part due to the car used during the 1988 season. He would sadly lose his life following a crash in 1994. But his legacy continues long after his passing. So it’s of little surprise, that Senna is the inspiration behind this set, particularly considering the close partnership the LEGO Group already has with McLaren. Plus the McLaren MP4/4 is one of the most successful F1 cars.
In terms of scale, the set is similar to some of the other Icons/Creator vehicles. However, it doesn’t feel as detailed as some of those sets. But that isn’t a bad thing it adds to the charm of the set. F1 cars are some of the most technologically advanced vehicles ever created. Their unique slimline appearance is finely tuned to shave seconds of race times. Back in the late 80s/early 90s, things were a little more retro. That unique shape was in use but the rest of the car was a little more simplistic, just like the set. It doesn’t employ an elaborate gear system nor does it have a complex core. Yet the details it does have elevate the set in simple ways.
As you build you notice some seemingly odd mixes of coloured bricks used. But this adds nods to Senna’s Brazilian roots. There are also a few unique elements introduced in the set. These include a triangular bar which becomes the car’s unique rod suspension. These hold a set of brand-new tyre elements. Unlike most LEGO wheels, this is a complete piece featuring both the rim and outer tyre. They are surprisingly heavy and add some weight to the set. Both of these new elements with most certainly be repurposed for some of the upcoming F1 sets. Although the set does offer a simplified vehicle it still offers some nice little details. The front wheels can be turned as they are linked to the steering wheel. You can also check out the car’s engine but popping off the section behind the driver’s seat.
Other details are achieved by a mix of printed elements and stickers. Unlike today’s F1 liveries, back in the late 80s things were a little more muted. Logos for McLaren, Shell and Honda can be found dotted around the car. For obvious reasons, it doesn’t feature the tobacco brand sponsorship. Regardless, the overall visual placement of logos and the car’s livery perfectly match that of the 1988 car.
With the car complete, you build a funky little display stand. Now this is what truly and literally elevates the set. The small stand slots into the base of the car and once connected it allows the car to sit at a cool angle. This turns the set into a great display piece and I hope future F1 cars get a similar display option. The stand now only provides a perch for the car, but it also features a display plaque detailing the car’s stats, drivers and wins. I’m so used to these types of stands being black, the grey does feel a little odd but at least it sets it apart from other sets.
As the awkward name of the set suggests, it doesn’t just celebrate McLaren’s award-winning car but also its driver. Ayrton Senna won numerous races in this car, which makes it so successful. Senna is included in the set in minifigure-form. As the driver is just as iconic as the car, it’s even featured in a separate stand. This features a stickered plate featuring a quote from Senna. I thought it would have been better to have this physically connected to the stand of the car. But as it’s a separate piece, it makes the stand feel more like a winner’s podium. The actual minifigure is fairly simple, kitted out in a stand race suit but it’s the helmet which impresses. This features print detail to match Senna’s special Brazilian flag-themed livery.
The world of Formula 1 racing continues to be a popular pastime and it’s inspired several LEGO Speed Champions and Technic sets. This is the first time an Icons set has dipped into the world of F1. The build isn’t as detailed as some of the other Icons vehicles or the larger Technic sets. However, it’s an impressive celebration of the sport and an iconic era for F1. The focus on a certain driver is a nice touch, especially as this version of McLaren’s car is closely linked to Senna. It’s also a nice taster as to what we can expect from the F1 partnership going forward. The McLaren MP4/4 & Senna set is available now.
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The LEGO Group provided this set, upon request, for this review. The thoughts within this review are those of BricksFanz and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group. Providing a set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
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