Watch Lando Norris drive a full-size Lego McLaren P1 at Silverstone. This model features over 300,000 pieces and 768 motors, showcasing impressive performance.
Life-size Lego cars aren’t new, but a fully operational 1:1 scale Lego McLaren P1 taking a lap at Silverstone is a first. And it’s not just a crawl around the track.
Before watching the video, here are some impressive details: the model is built from 342,817 Lego Technic pieces, incorporating 393 different brick shapes, including 11 custom-designed for this project. The P1’s exterior uses flexible pieces to achieve its sleek, curved shape and prevent rattling. It’s powered by 768 Lego motors, arranged in eight motor packs, and requires a car battery to complete a lap.
While McLaren hasn’t disclosed specifics about the chassis, the video shows that only the wheels, instrument cluster, and steering wheel are not made from Lego. McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris, initially apprehensive, suits up and takes the Lego P1 for a spin.
Although some footage is sped up, the car moves at a respectable pace, even hitting the curb during a turn. The side mirrors shake, but the vehicle performs well throughout the lap. While the exact lap time and speed are unknown, the achievement is remarkable given the 2,700-pound car’s Lego motor power.
Ben Gulliver, McLaren’s test and development director, expressed admiration for the realistic recreation of the P1 by Lego Technic, hoping it inspires future designers and engineers. While a full-size Lego McLaren P1 isn’t available for purchase, enthusiasts can build a 1:8 scale McLaren P1 Technic kit to experience their own Lego supercar adventure.
