Lego is stepping firmly onto the racetrack as the company deepens its collaboration with Formula 1’s all-female series, F1 Academy. After launching a wider partnership with Formula 1 at last year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, Lego has now announced a dedicated multi-year deal with F1 Academy, one that brings an official Lego-liveried race car, a real driver behind the wheel, and a brand-new Lego set built around the car itself.This new partnership, revealed during the build-up to this year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, marks a major moment for both Lego and F1 Academy. Beginning in 2026, the brightly colored yellow, pink, blue, and black Lego Racing entry will line up on the grid with Dutch driver Esmee Kosterman piloting the car. Alongside competing in a growing field that will include entries backed by all ten Formula 1 teams and a new Cadillac car next year, Lego is using the collaboration to encourage more young girls to imagine their future in motorsport.
Lego’s new F1 Academy car debuts in 2026 with Esmee Kosterman behind the wheel
Lego’s partnership becomes real on track in 2026, when the official Lego Racing car joins the F1 Academy grid. The car stands out instantly thanks to its yellow, pink, blue, and black livery chosen to highlight creativity, play, and representation. Dutch racer Esmee Kosterman will drive the Lego-backed entry, competing alongside cars supported by every Formula 1 team as well as a new Cadillac entry scheduled to join the series next year.This move follows Lego’s growing involvement with Formula 1 in recent years, including life-size Lego cars featured at the Miami Grand Prix drivers’ parade and trophy designs made entirely of Lego bricks for this year’s British Grand Prix. The new F1 Academy car will become part of that expanding lineup of motorsport-themed Lego experiences, bridging real-world racing with Lego’s signature building culture.
Lego set to launch official F1 Academy car model to inspire the next generation
As part of the multi-year agreement, Lego will produce and sell an official Lego set of the F1 Academy car. According to F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff, the goal goes far beyond simply adding another model to Lego shelves; it’s about creating a symbol of opportunity. Wolff emphasizes that young girls building the car should see more than a toy; they should see “their potential, and their place in the world of motorsport,” whether as fans, drivers, engineers, or leaders.Lego’s Chief Product & Marketing Officer, Julia Goldin, echoed the same mission, highlighting that F1 Academy provides a clear pathway for young female athletes in the sport. She said the company is “so excited to have Esmee as our driver,” and stressed that giving fans the chance to hold their favorite F1 Academy car as a Lego build helps secure more female representation in racing toys.
