As Formula 1 celebrates 75 years since the iconic race championship was founded, fans are descending upon London’s O2 Arena today to be part of the 2025 season launch. This year is the first time the LEGO Group has partnered with F1 to create a range of F1-themed sets. But there have been F1 sets before now I hear you cry and you’d be correct. The first ‘F1’ set was released in the 70s. However, many of those past sets have been inspired by F1 or created in cooperation with teams and automotive brands. So as the 2025 season launch gets underway later today it’s an ideal time to take A Look At… LEGO® Formula 1.
As mentioned above the first ‘F1’ set was released in 1975. Set 392 was the first to take inspiration from the unique F1 cars of the time. It was based on a particular vehicle or team but did have Shell branding. It’s certainly a product of its time, as the LEGO element range was far more basic back then. (image via Brickset)
Throughout the 1970s, 80s and early 90s various race-themed sets were released most under the ‘LEGOLAND’ and ‘System’ themes both early predecessors to today’s LEGO City range. One set released in the early 90’s was among the first to be released in partnership with a car brand. To commemorate Nigel Mansell’s championship win in 1992, a small Renault race car was created as a promotional set. (image via Brickset)
In the late 90s, the LEGO Group partnered with Shell for a range of promotional sets including a ‘Model Team’s F1 Ferrari car. This was one of the first larger-scale vehicles which could be considered similar to the LEGO Icons sets available now. The sets were available from Shell Petrol Stations globally. The partnership with Shell concluded some years later due to the environmental impact of fossil fuels. (image via Brickset)
In the 2000s, things got a little more advanced and the LEGO Racers theme was introduced. One set released under the Racers banner was the Williams F1 Team Racer. Whereas this set was a larger model, a smaller Williams F1 car was also released. This 1:27 scale vehicle also featured a pull-back motor function.
As one of the only car makers to be a part of the F1 championship since its inception 75 years ago, Ferrari has been a keen partner for the LEGO Group. Almost all of the LEGO Racers sets released between 2000 – 2010 were inspired by the Ferrari F1 team. Several sets were released expanding beyond the cars to include elements of the race track, pit crew and even the drivers of the time. These included the legendary F1 drivers Michael Schumacher and Kimi Räikkönen.
Worlds collided in 2011 as set based on Disney Pixar’s Cars 2 featured an F1-type car. The Italian Formula car, Francesco Bernoulli, became Lightening McQueen’s main race rival and was also the subject of a unique character car set.
Although the LEGO Group had expanded its partnership with car makers, its in-house IP also got in on the F1 action with the Octan-branded Gran Prix action. This LEGO City Great Vehicles set featured an F1-inspired race car and transportation truck.
With the introduction of the Speed Champions theme in 2015, the partnership with the car brand vastly expanded and several sets featured F1 from well-known teams including McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes. F1 cars were often paired with other vehicles to offer two highly detailed builds inspired by real-world cars.
In 2022, a LEGO Technic McLaren set was released. This larger, technical take on McLaren’s F1 car was created in close cooperation with the team at McLaren. The build included features like the V6 cylinder engine with moving pistons, steering, suspension and differential.
Previously known as Creator Expert, LEGO Icons has seen several iconic vehicles recreated as detailed LEGO models. Last year, one such set took inspiration from earlier F1 championships with a recreation of McLaren’s 1988 MP4/4. This unique displayable set featured a classic F1 car mounted on a display stand along with a minifigure version of Ayrton Senna.
This year is the first time the LEGO Group has officially partnered with F1 and the result is an extensive range of sets across multiple themes. Earlier this year, several LEGO City F1 sets were released and they will be joined by another Icons set. All 10 F1 team race cars have become Speed Champions sets and there will even be a series of collectable minisets inspired by F1 race cars.
Keep an eye out for reviews of the entire LEGO Speed Champions F1 sets along with the new Nigel Mansell Icons set and a few other surprises.
