Thrill-Ride Formula 1 Weekend in Miami
Lego Constructs Ten Drivable Formula One Vehicles for Miami Grand Prix
Rev up, race fans! Thanks to McLaren's Oscar Piastri, the Miami Grand Prix weekend on May 2-4, 2025, was a blazing success. The speed demon claimed victory, leaving us in awe as those powerful machines flew by at over 233mph.
Now, don your earplugs, 'cause it gets loud! My very first Grand Prix was an unforgettable rollercoaster of power, speed, and a few unexpected twists.
What made this race stand out? Traditionally, drivers take a pre-race lap in a flatbed truck. But in Miami, they rolled out in life-sized F1 cars — crafted entirely from LEGO!
Approximately four million bricks were used to construct ten fully functional cars, each weighing 1,500kg, just shy of the real deal's weight. These Lego marvels boasted the same team colors, logos, and sharp curves as their high-performance counterparts.
Each Lego vehicle was the product of a dedicated team of 26 designers, engineers, and builders investing a colossal 2,000 hours—smashing regular construction timelines by a solid eight months!
Lego senior designer, Jonathan Jurion, explains that their conceptualization Phase involved modelling software before legions of builders recreated it in Lego's factory in Kladno, Czech Republic (the hub of LEGO's biggest builds). The cars were "stacked layer by layer," assemble-and-go fashion, and divided into sections that included the cockpit, engine cover, front wing, rear structure, and the halo.
Jurion remarks, "We glue the bricks together, not wanting any to fly off during the race!" Unfortunately, during the driver's parade, Lewis Hamilton's car suffered a minor collision with Alpine's Pierre Gasly, causing some Lego pieces to scatter. In true racing spirit, though, the show went on!
Now, imagine building a Formula 1 car out of LEGO—impressive, right? But what about its performance on the track? You guessed it—our team of technical engineers made sure these cars could handle speeds up to 20km per hour, with a chassis, electric drivetrain, hydraulic brakes, power steering system, and even authentic Pirelli tires (the only non-Lego elements).
Miami: Formula 1 On Steroids
Miami's dynamism didn't stop at the high-performance vehicles on the track. The city is teeming with colossal Suburbans, Tesla Cybertrucks, and skyscrapers with an influential Art Deco influence. You can soak up the vintage Art Deco architecture while strolling along Ocean Drive, where kitschy buildings, vintage cars, and neon-clad bars hold court.
If you're craving contemporary art, visit the Wynwood district, brimming with graffiti murals and up-and-coming galleries, or the Miami Design District, dotted with sleek design stores and cutting-edge fashion boutiques.
Little Havana, the historic neighborhood of Miami's Cuban population, is a must-see. Its famous Calle Ocho houses cigar shops, traditional eateries, and colorful history entwined with the Cuban Revolution of 1959. In addition, Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina harkens back to the vibrant past with its yellow-walled interior and scattered mint and sugar for swift mojito production.
Craving something else entirely? Step into Delilah, where the pink velvet-and-palm tree atmosphere is dramatically different from Old's Havana—not to mention the rumblings of Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner being nearby!
When I touched down in Miami, I knew I'd find excitement; my trip's breathless enthusiasm confirmed it, and witnessing Hamilton crash a Lego car cherry-on-topped the weekend spectacularly. Miami Grand Prix—if you haven't been, put it on your bucket list!
- The Miami Grand Prix weekend was not just about high-speed sports; it also showcased an innovative lifestyle merger, as Lego unveiled ten fully functional, life-sized Formula 1 cars made from over four million bricks.
- As much as Miami offered an adrenaline rush through tech-driven Formula 1 racing, it also boasted a vibrant travel experience, showcasing Art Deco architecture, contemporary art galleries, and a diverse culinary scene that caters to various tastes, from authentic Cuban to high-end dining.
