LEGO to release F1 Academy car, field team on 2026 grid

The LEGO Group and F1 Academy have inked a multi-year deal which will see the construction toy giant release an F1 Academy car set and field a car on the 2026 grid of the all-female series.

On the eve of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, F1 Academy director Susie Wolff and LEGO marketing director Julia Goldin presented the partnership, with 20-year-old Dutch racer Esmee Kosterman donning the LEGO car's vibrant colour scheme on the 2026 F1 Academy grid.

A former kart and F4 racer, Kosterman made her F1 Academy debut in August at her Zandvoort home race as a wildcard entry.

"We’re so proud to welcome the LEGO Group as an official partner of F1 Academy," said Wolff. "This collaboration isn’t just about the possibility of building an F1 Academy LEGO car, it’s about building belief in what’s possible. With our first partnership product, fans will be able to create something that stands for opportunity and representation.

"We hope every young girl who picks up these bricks sees more than just a model, she sees herself, her potential, and her place in the world of motorsport whether as a fan, engineer, driver or leader. Together, we’re challenging outdated perceptions of who belongs in motorsport and empowering the next generation of young women to build their own paths.”

LEGO's CMO Goldin added: "F1 Academy is levelling the playing field in motorsport, giving young female athletes a clear pathway to achieve their dreams in the top tiers of the sport. We can’t wait to see LEGO Racing join the F1 Academy grid and are so excited to have Esmee as our driver.

"For the first time, fans can hold their favourite F1 Academy LEGO car in their hands, and I’m thrilled that we’re securing female representation in racing toys for young girls. We hope the infusion of LEGO play and creativity to this exciting sport inspires the next generation of young women in motorsport, as well as the female builders of tomorrow, that anything is possible.”

LEGO announced the accompanying 201-piece construction set, which is available for pre-order, will be released in March 2026.