The world of Lego construction has reached new heights with a full-size, drivable replica of the McLaren P1, constructed entirely from Lego Technic pieces. A collaborative effort between Lego and McLaren Automotive, this impressive feat took a team of 23 people over 8,000 hours to complete. The final product is not just a display model – it can actually be driven and even reached a top speed of 40 mph (64 km/h) on a racetrack.
This Lego McLaren P1 replica is made up of 342,817 Lego Technic pieces, and its size closely matches that of the original 2013 hypercar. To power the vehicle, 768 Lego motors were arranged in eight motor packs, designed to mimic the P1’s V8 powertrain. Weighing in at 2,690 pounds (1,220 kg), the Lego version is slightly lighter than the real McLaren P1, which weighs 3,075 pounds (1,395 kg).
The model was more than just a static build. It comes equipped with a functional electric battery and a working steering wheel, allowing it to be driven for real. British Formula 1 driver Lando Norris even took the car for a lap around the UK’s Silverstone Circuit, completing 3.66 miles (5.89 km) and hitting a top speed of nearly 40 mph, as reported by Autocar.
While Lego has built large-scale replicas before, such as a 1:1 model of a Bugatti Chiron in 2018, the McLaren P1 stands out for its performance. The Bugatti replica, though heavier and more time-consuming to construct, only reached a top speed of 12 mph (19 km/h).
In comparison, the McLaren P1 Lego model showcases significant improvements in both speed and maneuverability. It marks the first time a Lego vehicle has been able to successfully navigate corners on a racetrack, making it a remarkable advancement in Lego’s life-size builds.
Source: Lego
