LEGO takes over Silverstone as Formula 1 drivers swap race cars for brick-built minicars

The activation follows the popularity of last year's LEGO parade at the Miami Grand Prix, with Formula 1 and the LEGO Group expanding the concept for 2026. Each driver will have an individual minicar finished in their team's colours and carrying their race number, creating one of the most eye-catching spectacles before lights out.

Rather than waving to fans from the usual parade truck, drivers will pilot brick-built vehicles capable of reaching speeds of up to 25 km/h. The parade will take place around 90 minutes before the start of Sunday's British Grand Prix, giving spectators around the famous Northamptonshire circuit a close-up view of the unique creations.

Each of the 11 minicars has been constructed from more than 28,000 LEGO bricks and weighs around 280 kilograms, including approximately 65 kilograms of LEGO elements. Standard go-kart wheels provide the running gear, while a team of 20 designers, engineers and LEGO specialists spent more than 6,400 hours developing and building the fleet at the LEGO factory in Kladno, Czech Republic.

The initiative forms part of Formula 1's continued push to create memorable fan experiences beyond the on-track action, following the widespread reaction to the Miami parade last season.

Formula 1 Chief Commercial Officer Emily Prazer believes the collaboration continues to showcase a different side of the sport.

She said: "Last year's F1 Drivers' Parade in Miami with the LEGO big build cars was one of the most memorable and talked-about moments of the season, capturing the imagination of fans around the world and showing a different side of the sport. This year, we're building on that moment to create an incredible spectacle for fans attending the British Grand Prix and those watching globally."

Prazer added: "There is something truly special about bringing together the worlds of Formula 1 and LEGO play, combining innovation, creativity, and entertainment in a way that can inspire and excite fans of all ages."

The LEGO Group has also responded to demand from fans and drivers following the success of last year's activation, opting to produce an even bigger display for one of Formula 1's most historic venues.

Chief Product & Marketing Officer Julia Goldin said: "The excitement from drivers and fans alike at last years' Miami Drivers Parade, was impossible to ignore. Fans and drivers alike asked – so now we are delivering. We wanted to go even bigger than last year and ensure we continue to surprise and delight our fans."

Goldin concluded: "We can't wait to see what the drivers do when they get these minicars on track."

While the brick-built machines will never match the performance of a Formula 1 car, they promise to deliver one of the weekend's most entertaining images as the world's fastest drivers trade more than 1,000 horsepower for colourful LEGO creations before getting down to business in the 2026 British Grand Prix.