Battery-Powered Lego Race Cars Star at Miami GP
Photo courtesy Lego Group
MIAMI—Formula 1 cars made out of Lego bricks were the talk of the track at yesterday’s grand prix motor race here. Each two-seat reproduction was driven during a parade of drivers from each team competing in the event, including Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes (see photo above).
The unique battery-powered vehicles were constructed at Lego Group’s factory in Kladnofactory, Czech Republic. Each life-size car was made out of 400,000 plastic bricks that were glued together to provide extra strength while navigating the twists and turns of the 3.3-mile race track. They weighed 3,307 pounds and could reach speeds of 12 mph.
Lego built a fleet of 10 cars (one for each Formula 1 team). A steel frame underneath the bricks supported the weight as subassemblies, such as the cockpit, front wing and engine cover, were attached by a team of Lego assemblers. Each vehicle contains a battery and electric drivetrain, in addition to hydraulic brakes and power steering.
“As a sport synonymous with innovation and pushing boundaries, it was amazing to see another first…as the big builds made their way around the track in the hands of the best drivers in the world,” says Emily Prazer, chief commercial officer of Formula 1.
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