Lego and McLaren have come together to create a new Lego Technic kit based on McLaren's 2022 F1 car.
Working parts
The model, which has been designed by Lego with input from McLaren engineers, is made up of 1,432 pieces and features (as per other Lego Technic kits) a scaled-down version of the racing car's V6 engine complete with moving pistons, working steering, suspension and differential lock.
When finished, the model measures 65cm in length and 27cm in width, so it'll definitely usefully fill any empty space on a shelf.
Speaking as part of the product announcement, James Key, the technical director at McLaren Racing said:
"We are excited to unveil the unique Lego Technic model of our McLaren F1 car, a fun and engaging product that celebrates our 2021 season livery while giving fans a hands-on interpretation of the new 2022 F1 car design. This has been made possible by an agile collaboration with the Lego Group team, who have truly embraced the spirit of our brave and bold approach to design. The final product looks fantastic, and we cannot wait to make this available to our fans."
The model's exterior is finished in the orange-coloured papaya livery which, this year, as was the case in 2021, will grace cars driven by England's Lando Norris and the Australian, Daniel Ricciardo.
F1 car changes in 2022
The 2022 F1 car, however, is significantly different from the 2021 model, something which is reflected in the new Lego kit. The changes should please both racing fans and modellers alike as, not only do they result in a sleeker-looking car, but will, according to the FIA, motorsport's governing body, allow for much closer, more aggressive racing.
The changes to the 2022 car are aimed at increasing downforce while reducing "dirty air" caused by disrupted airflow. To this end, the front wing, nose, rear wing and wheels have been redesigned to flow more smoothly through the air, while downforce has been upped with a reworked floor which channels air under the car to create a suction force known as ground-effect, intended to reduce the reliance on protruding aerodynamic aids.
When running behind another car, dirty air can cause a massive 47 per cent loss of downforce meaning that drivers are less inclined to partake in the kind of hard, close racing beloved by fans and competitors alike. It is claimed, however, that the changes to the 2022 car will reduce the loss of downforce when running 20m behind a car in front to just four per cent.
The Lego Technic model actually represents a low-resolution preview of McLaren's 2022 car as the real thing isn't set to be revealed until February 11 ahead of the first Grand Prix of the season in Bahrain on March 20.
The model kit goes on sale from March 1. Keep an eye on the Lego website.