Formula 1 is set to replace its traditional drivers’ parade with a unique spectacle at the British Grand Prix, as all 22 drivers will take to the track in fully functional Lego go-karts on Sunday.
The initiative follows the enormous success of the full-sized Lego Formula 1 cars showcased at last year’s Miami Grand Prix, which generated an estimated 24 billion views across social media platforms. This time, however, each driver will have their own individual Lego machine to race.
By the numbers
- Top speed: Approximately 20 mph (32 km/h)
- Weight: 280 kg, including 65 kg of Lego bricks
- Brick count: Around 28,000 pieces per kart
- Battery range: Sufficient to complete a full 3.6-mile lap of Silverstone
- Features: Functional rear rain lights, reverse gear, team liveries and official branding
From Miami mayhem to Silverstone showdown
At the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, drivers shared full-scale Lego cars in an event that quickly evolved into an entertaining crash-filled exhibition. For Silverstone, Lego and Formula 1 have raised the stakes by creating 22 individual racing karts.
A team of 20 Lego designers, led by Senior Designer Jonatan Jurion and Engineering Manager Martin Smida, spent several months developing the fleet. Unlike the Miami cars, which adapted existing steel structures to fit Lego bodywork, the new karts were built around standard steel go-kart chassis and feature custom Lego noses, sidepods, rear wings and steering wheel displays inspired by Formula 1 machinery.
Equal equipment, inevitable chaos
Although the karts are limited to around 20 mph, testing has shown them to be highly responsive, with surprisingly sharp handling and acceleration.
With every driver competing in identical machinery, the event offers a rare opportunity for Formula 1 stars to return to their karting roots on a completely level playing field.
Lego’s designers already have an idea of what may happen once 22 highly competitive drivers line up together.
“We never know what they’re going to do with them,” Jurion said. “But we expect them to behave like race drivers.”
Fans can expect another memorable — and highly meme-worthy — moment at Silverstone before the British Grand Prix even gets underway.