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A one-off, full-size LEGO Technic McLaren P1 took to Silverstone with McLaren Formula 1 driver Lando Norris at the wheel. Secondary coverage reported that the car reached 40 mph; that figure belongs to the life-size demonstration build, not the LEGO set sold to consumers.
What the full-size LEGO McLaren P1 did at Silverstone
The LEGO Group and McLaren Automotive announced the drivable build on September 12, 2024. LEGO said it was the company’s first large-scale build capable of steering and completing an entire racetrack lap. Norris drove it around Silverstone Circuit.
The LEGO Group reported that the car used 342,817 LEGO Technic elements. The 40 mph figure comes from secondary reporting, rather than a published technical specification from LEGO or McLaren. It should be treated as a reported speed for this one-off demonstration car, not as a verified performance rating for a LEGO product.
How the drivable build was made
McLaren says discussions began in autumn 2023, with development and construction starting in January 2024. Its account describes a central engineering challenge: making a car connected with LEGO Technic elements capable of steering and handling Silverstone’s corners and bumps. McLaren says the project used Technic elements rather than glue.
#1 Best Overall
- LEGO Technic formula 1 race car set for adults – This McLaren P1 building set for adults is packed with authentic details and can be built to make a 1:8 scale model collectible for supercar fans
- Build the V8 piston engine and more – Enjoy a mindful project assembling all the details like the 7-speed gearbox with shifter drum, opening doors, adjustable rear wing and V8 piston engine
- A 1:8 scale model car to display – From the unboxing experience to the building project, this adult building kit delivers a rewarding challenge for LEGO Technic fans
- Unique serial number tile – Like the real-world race car, the LEGO Technic version features its own unique serial number, giving you access to exclusive online content
- An F1 gift for car-lovers – This set makes a great gift for adult LEGO builders, supercar enthusiasts and McLaren fans, offering a creative project and a display piece to cherish
McLaren Racing reported that the build used 393 different types of LEGO Technic elements; the publication date for that figure is not stated in the search result. This count refers to element types, not the total number of pieces.
The full-size car is not the LEGO set you can buy
The drivable P1 was a one-off project, not a consumer kit. The related retail product is LEGO Technic McLaren P1 set 42172, announced in July 2024. It is a separate 1:8-scale model with 3,893 elements.
Rank #2
- F1 CAR BUILDING KIT – Race to glory with this detailed LEGO Technic McLaren MCL39 F1 Car (42228) model kit for adults ages 18 years old and up
- AUTHENTIC FEATURES & FUNCTIONS – Explore the car's realistic details, including push-rod and pull-rod suspension, steering and differential as you relive the excitement of the F1 season with this model car kit
- V6 ENGINE & DRS ACTIVATOR – Remove the engine cover to examine the F1 car model's V6 engine, then check out the 2-speed gearbox and DRS activator, which adjusts the rear wing
- BUILD & DISPLAY DECOR– Place the completed, 1:8 scale model on display in any room or office to create conversation-starting home decor that will delight fellow racing fans
- GIFT FOR F1 FANS – This LEGO Technic set makes a great birthday or holiday gift for adults who love motorsports, engineering kits and the McLaren F1 Team
| Detail | Full-size demonstration build | Retail set 42172 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose and scale | One-off, life-size drivable project | Buildable 1:8-scale model |
| Element count | 342,817 Technic elements, reported by The LEGO Group in 2024 | 3,893 elements, announced by The LEGO Group in 2024 |
| Speed | 40 mph reported by secondary coverage; not established as an official technical specification | No speed claim established for the retail model |
| Notable features | Steering and a completed lap of Silverstone with Lando Norris driving | 7-speed gearbox, suspension, V8 piston engine, adjustable rear wing and opening dihedral doors |
The retail model recreates the P1 as a building set, but the full-size car’s reported speed cannot be transferred to it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is it still the fastest drivable LEGO Technic build?
No longer, according to a 2026 TechRadar report: a life-size LEGO Technic Koenigsegg reached 69 mph and surpassed the P1 as the fastest drivable Technic big build at that time. That is a time-specific comparison, not a permanent record; future builds or reports may change the ranking.
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Best Value
- Innovative Design: Designed for Lego 42172,with this light kit, you can bring your Lego McLaren P1 from dark to bright, make it come to life.
- Brilliant Crafts: On the premise of using safe and reliable materials, using different lights and hiding the lines can make the model display effect is more perfect. It is a great addition for model collectors who want to add more details to their sets.
- Simply Install: With a step-by-step instruction, you will find an easier way to enjoy the pleasant DIY process and make a huge upgrade to your favorite building kit.
- Warm Service: We always do our best to provide good quality products as well as excellent service to our customers. If you have difficulties with your product, please send us an email, we will help you solve the problem in time.
- Perfect Gift: BRIKSMAX brilliant lighting is a great addition for LEGO fans, model collectors who want to add more details to their sets.
Rank #4
- BUILD A RACING LEGEND – Experience the thrill of the track with LEGO Speed Champions McLaren W1 – The Real Supercar (77257) building toy for kids and auto enthusiasts ages 9 years old and up
- 1 DRIVER MINIFIGURE – This race car toy building set includes a driver minifigure wearing a McLaren outfit, with a wig, wrench, and helmet accessories that can be placed inside the cockpit for exciting pretend play races
- AUTHENTIC MCLAREN DETAILS – Car lovers will appreciate features and functions inspired by the real supercar, including an adjustable rear wing, a rear engine, a detailed cockpit, and an interior infotainment screen
- ROOM DECOR FOR AUTO ENTHUSIASTS – Builders can display their completed build on a desk, shelf, or bedside table for a decoration that's sure to turn heads
- CAR GIFT FOR KIDS & ADULTS – Makes a wonderful birthday or special occasion present for racing fans and automotive enthusiasts who enjoy building detailed models of famous vehicles
Rank #3
- MCLAREN F1 TEAM CAR TOY – LEGO Speed Champions McLaren F1 Team MCL38 Race Car vehicle set for boys and girls ages 10 and up to build, display and race
- 1 DRIVER MINIFIGURE – The vehicle kit includes a driver minifigure wearing a McLaren outfit and a winged helmet for kids to place inside the cockpit and role-play thrilling race action
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS – A McLaren F1 car with details from the real-life 2024 version, including a halo bar, rear wing, sponsor stickers and wider rear tires imprinted with “Pirelli”
- F1 FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY – Race for the checkered flag alongside the whole family with other building sets (sold separately) in the LEGO F1 range
- PLAY & DISIPLAY – After kids have enjoyed playing out racing stories with the F1 car toy, they can display it on a shelf or bedside table
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