Lando Norris Takes the Wheel of a LEGO McLaren P1: A Brick-Built Wonder
In an extraordinary fusion of automotive engineering and playful creativity, McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris recently had the unique experience of driving a life-sized McLaren P1 entirely made from LEGO bricks. This remarkable feat was accomplished using 342,817 LEGO Technic pieces, and the resulting model is both functional and astonishingly detailed.
The project, which spanned over 8,300 hours of meticulous work by a team of 23 specialists from both McLaren and LEGO, culminated in a vehicle that stands as a testament to both technical prowess and imaginative design. Despite being constructed from plastic bricks, the LEGO McLaren P1 features a fully operational electric motor, powered by LEGO Technic Function batteries and an additional electric car battery. Weighing in at 1,220 kg (about 2,690 lbs.), the model is surprisingly robust given its unconventional materials.
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The LEGO McLaren P1 isn't just a static display piece; it is engineered to be driven. Norris took this one-of-a-kind vehicle for a spin around the iconic Silverstone Circuit, where he had previously competed in the British Grand Prix. Despite the car’s LEGO composition, Norris noted that it felt quite like a real car. However, he drove cautiously as he observed the side mirrors wobbling during the lap. The car’s performance was modest compared to the genuine P1, but its ability to complete a lap around the track is a notable achievement in itself.
The LEGO McLaren P1’s build includes a powertrain made up of eight motor packs, each containing 96 LEGO Power Function motors. This setup mimics the V8 engine of the original McLaren P1, although in a much less powerful form. This innovative approach allowed the LEGO P1 to achieve a level of functionality and realism that surpasses any previous LEGO models.
For enthusiasts looking to own a piece of this project, LEGO offers a scaled-down 1:8 version of the McLaren P1, which is available for $450. This smaller model features 3,893 pieces and includes a working V8 piston engine and a seven-speed gearbox. Although not drivable, it captures the essence of the full-sized LEGO marvel with its intricate details and advanced mechanisms.
This project highlights LEGO's capacity to blend creativity with technology, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with toy bricks. It's a celebration of engineering and imagination, proving that with enough dedication and ingenuity, even the most unexpected materials can create something truly extraordinary.
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