LEGO Racing Joins F1 ACADEMY with Unique Design and Driver

The LEGO Group has officially entered the motorsport arena by announcing a multi-year partnership with F1 ACADEMY during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. This collaboration marks the debut of LEGO Racing in the 2026 season, with 20-year-old Dutch driver Esmee Kosterman taking the wheel.

The partnership introduces a distinct visual identity for LEGO Racing, setting it apart from traditional motorsport designs. The livery, crafted by the LEGO Design team, features a unique checkered pattern that integrates the brand’s playful aesthetic with racing elements. This approach diverges from typical racing liveries, which often emphasize aggressive styling and sponsor logos. Instead, the LEGO Racing design focuses on brand recognition and a more approachable visual identity.

Innovative Product Launch

As part of the partnership, the LEGO Group will release the LEGO Speed Champions F1 ACADEMY Race Car, a 201-piece set scheduled for global launch on March 1, 2026. This set not only mirrors the aerodynamic details of the actual race car but also features the #32 racing number and includes a minifigure dressed in LEGO Racing colors. Pre-orders for the set are currently available on LEGO.com.

The design of the livery and the accompanying products highlights a commitment to female representation in motorsport. Julia Goldin, Chief Product & Marketing Officer at the LEGO Group, emphasized that this initiative allows fans to physically engage with an F1 ACADEMY vehicle for the first time. Research conducted by the LEGO Group indicates that 87% of girls surveyed desire more opportunities in motorsport, yet 76% of parents believe that motorsport is often viewed as a male-only domain. The LEGO Speed Champions set aims to address this gap, as 82% of parents recognize the importance of representation in motorsport.

Esmee Kosterman’s Journey

Esmee Kosterman, who has made history as the first woman to win in the Ford Fiesta Sprint Cup series in 2023, will serve as the inaugural driver for LEGO Racing. She previously competed in the Junior Cup, finishing second, and placed third overall. Kosterman made her F1 ACADEMY debut as a Wild Card at Round 5 in Zandvoort in 2024 and transitioned to single-seater racing with Indian F4.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Kosterman stated, “To be the first driver for LEGO Racing is such an exciting opportunity, and I can’t wait to continue my racing journey with F1 ACADEMY. I hope this inspires future generations of female drivers, that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”

At the Las Vegas F1 ACADEMY weekend, the LEGO Group showcased custom LEGO Botanicals Bouquets at the podium ceremonies for Race 1 and Race 2. These bouquets, constructed from nearly 2,000 LEGO elements and weighing approximately 1 kg, replace traditional trophies, further emphasizing LEGO’s creative approach to motorsport.

The partnership between the LEGO Group and F1 ACADEMY not only signals an innovative approach to motorsport branding but also highlights the importance of inclusivity and representation in racing. As preparations for the 2026 season begin, the LEGO Racing team is set to make a significant impact both on and off the track.