WHEN LEGO MEETS MCLAREN

POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP

Discussions for this LEGO Group and McLaren Automotive passion project began in 2023. Development and construction started in 2024. Lukáš Horák, LEGO’s Senior Project Manager in Model Production, led a team of 23 specialists in design, engineering, and building. It took 8,344 hours to complete—far from the 17 days it took 82 technicians to build the real McLaren P1. Collab goals.

THE BLUEPRINT

Lukáš’s team used 3D software to map out how to replicate the McLaren P1 with LEGO bricks. Engineers worked with McLaren to create a steel chassis. This served as the foundation for the LEGO Technic pieces, including the front and rear axles. You know it’s serious when LEGO needs reinforcement. No offence to your childhood castles—this one actually has structural integrity.

BUILDING BLOCKS

The car is made from 393 types of LEGO Technic elements. These are more versatile, durable, and compatible than standard LEGO bricks. Motors, pneumatic systems, and a steel core were incorporated. Every piece connects without glue, adding complexity to the build. It paid off. The finished model’s design proved strong enough to handle a full lap of Silverstone. Locked in!

ENGINEERED TO IMPRESS

Two types of bricks make up this build. The LEGO Technic core forms the construction with LEGO Technic components. The skin forms the body. The core is firmly attached to a steel frame. The skin connects to the core and is made of interconnected triangles. Actuators link the triangles to the interior. This allowed the team to recreate the P1’s curved shape. Seamlessly.

A WORLD FIRST

The P1 features fully functional steering, suspension, and brakes. It’s the first LEGO big build that doesn’t just roll—it corners. Hard. Maggots, Becketts, Chapel? Conquered. And if you think it’s just a brick-built showpiece, think again—it even has the same lights as the real P1. Because if you’re going to build a life-size LEGO hypercar, might as well give it a shot at pole position.

FULL-THROTTLE LEGO

With 342,817 LEGO Technic parts, this life-size model weighs approximately 1,220 kilograms. It can reach speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour. Its electric motor, powered by LEGO Technic Function batteries and an electric car battery, lets it travel farther than any other LEGO model. The P1’s innovative engine features eight motor packs. Each pack contains 96 LEGO Power function motors, totalling 768. This replicates the V8 seen in the real McLaren P1. A machine that proves, yes, you can take LEGO too seriously.

EDGE OF INGENUITY

The toughest LEGO Technic challenge to date. This life-size model reflects the innovation and engineering excellence of the original McLaren P1. It pushes the boundaries of what LEGO Technic can achieve. Ben Gulliver, McLaren’s Test & Development Director, described the P1 as an icon of its time. He said the collaboration aims to inspire the next generation of engineers and designers. Building on projects like the life-size 2022 F1 car, MP4/4, and McLaren Senna, it sets a bold new benchmark. Next-level LEGO.

TRACK-READY

As the third drivable car from the LEGO Group, this model is the most sophisticated. It handled Silverstone’s twists and turns, including the famous Maggots, Becketts, and Chapel corners, like a champ. No other LEGO car could manage corners or track conditions this demanding. Its design mirrors the real McLaren P1 so closely, you’d mistake it for the real thing. It doesn’t include a windscreen, however. Lando enjoyed a nice little breeze on his drive. Aerodynamics? More like LEG-O-dynamics, yeah?

CAPTURES THE SPIRIT OF A SUPERCAR ICON

The McLaren P1 set new standards in automotive performance. It was the most advanced and dynamic supercar of its time. Groundbreaking in weight reduction, aerodynamics, and powertrain, the P1 excelled in high-speed performance. It showcased McLaren’s motorsport-based engineering. Created to be “the best driver’s car in the world on both road and track,” the P1 remains a landmark in high-performance hybrid vehicles. It embodies McLaren’s commitment to engineering excellence.

BUILT WITH F1-LEVEL ATTENTION TO DETAIL

The LEGO Technic design team worked closely with McLaren. Both teams focused on cutting-edge functionality as a tribute to the real McLaren P1 and McLaren’s engineering excellence. Every detail was carefully captured. No compromises were made. Multiple design variations were tested to achieve the best result. A key challenge was recreating the butterfly doors. A new mechanism was needed to keep them open.

MAKES EVERY PIECE PART OF THE STORY

The 1:8 scale LEGO Technic McLaren P1 contains 3,893 pieces. Each car has a unique serial number unlocking special behind-the-scenes content. It includes a seven-speed gearbox with two shifter drums, suspension, a V8 piston engine, an adjustable rear wing, and opening dihedral doors with advanced mechanisms. Immersive building experience guaranteed.

PROVES THAT LEGO DREAMS BIGGER

Every two years, LEGO Technic brings a new vehicle to life with meticulously designed sets and packaging. Creating the next “ultimate car” pushes the team to perfect 1:8 scale sports car models. The goal: proclaim with LEGO Technic, it’s possible to ‘Build for Real.’