Product test
The first Lego motorbike in 1:5 scale
by Ramon Schneider
Building the F1 McLaren from Lego Technic
18.2.2022
Translation: Katherine Martin
Just in time for the new Formula 1 season, Lego is launching a McLaren race car. Although the manufacturer has made a nice job of the aesthetics, the mechanics are simplistic.
Nailing a resemblance to the original was a challenge for Lego designer Lars Krogh Jensen – the car was, after all, still being developed: «It was exciting to watch the car develop, but that obviously meant that we had to constantly adjust our model, too.»
Assembly
Along with the individual parts and instruction booklet, you’ll also find the infamous sticker sheets. A total of 64 stickers are spread across three different sheets. From sponsors to spoilers, to rear-view mirrors and rims, this set gives you plenty of sticking to do.
So far, I’m almost a little disappointed – building the set has barely challenged me. The suspension, however, is interesting. From the outside, only the four flat, black bars are visible – similar to the original. At the same time, a sophisticated system diverts the suspension to a yellow spring behind the engine. This was definitely the most fun, most memorable part of the build.
The aesthetics
Although the assembly didn’t quite live up to my expectations, the car really comes into its own in the looks department. I’m pleasantly surprised by the model’s size in particular. With a length of 64 centimetres, you’ll be hard pushed to display the car on a typical living room shelf.
Compared with Lego Technic’s previous F1 sets, the McLaren is by far the most attractive car. The designers have done a good job of making the model look as much like the original race car as possible. One nice touch is the engine, which you can see despite the fairing
F1 cars normally run on slicks – in other words, tyres without tread. Lego, on the other hand, only produces tyres with tread. As a result, the McLaren model is fitted with blue Pirelli rain tyres. I wouldn’t expose the model to water for too long, though – otherwise the stickers will start peeling off.
My verdict
For many fans, the McLaren has fulfilled a long-held desire: after a nine-year wait, there’s finally another Lego Technic race car. Visually speaking, I like the model, as it comes pretty close to the original. Turning to the fun factor, though, I’d expected more. Not much of the building process has stuck in my mind besides the suspension. It’s a shame, because for me, the construction of the model is more important than its appearance.
The set retails at 199 francs – a tidy sum. But let me offer the bargain hunters among you a bit of reassurance: I assume that the set will drop in price a couple of weeks after launching. It will, after all, be available from other outlets besides Lego from 1 March. As a result, this could push the selling price down by a couple of percentage points.
Lego gave me this product to test out. In the editorial office, our articles aren’t influenced by the interests of the manufacturers, and we aren’t responsible for sales targets.
