A Formula 1 drivers’ parade with Lego cars? Why Max Verstappen might skip it—and what the other drivers think about it
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has criticized the plan for Formula 1 drivers to compete against each other with Lego cars during the drivers’ parade on Sunday before the 2026 British Grand Prix.
In an interview with Viaplay, Verstappen said: “I’d rather play with Lego at home with the kids. [During the drivers’ parade] I’d rather stand on a truck with the others. That’s more fun and it looks more professional, too.”
In his view, a show race with Lego karts is one thing above all else: silly. Verstappen said: “As Formula 1 drivers, we shouldn’t look like kids and clowns trying to ram into each other. I don’t think Formula 1 needs something like that.”
Other Formula 1 drivers take a much more laid-back view than Verstappen. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli, for example, said he’s “really” looking forward to it. “I think it’s going to be pure chaos,” Antonelli said.
Maximum driving fun at… 25 km/h?
It won’t be a high-speed race, though: The vehicles developed by Lego reach a maximum speed of 25 km/h. In the event of a collision, however, they could easily fall apart into their individual components: Each tiny car is made up of 28,000 interlocking bricks that together weigh 65 kilograms. Each car weighs a total of 280 kilograms.
Verstappen isn’t convinced by any of this. He’s participating on Sunday because he has no choice—not out of conviction. “I’ll just do my lap and wave to the fans. They deserve to see us drivers,” said Verstappen. “But of course, personally, I would have preferred the whole thing to go a little differently.”
Why Formula 1 is sticking with the Lego idea
Formula 1 and building-block manufacturer Lego, on the other hand, are convinced that their initiative will be well received. After all, the premiere with (larger) Lego cars in Miami in 2025 was already a success.
What’s more: “The drivers’ parade in Miami was one of the most memorable and talked-about moments of the season,” said Emily Prazer, commercial director of Formula 1. Spectators were “thrilled” to see “a different side of the sport.”
Both fans and drivers have been asking for more events of this kind, explained Julia Goldin, Head of Marketing at Lego. “Now we’re delivering. We wanted to take it up a notch and make sure we continue to surprise and delight our fans. We can’t wait to see what the drivers get up to when they hit the track with these mini cars.”
Here’s how other drivers rate the LEGO driver parade
Lewis Hamilton, at least, expects plenty of action: “That’s the most dangerous part of the weekend. Last time, I let Charles drive, and it was just hilarious to watch everyone crash into each other.”
According to Arvid Lindblad, things might go similarly this time: “This race isn’t about winning—it’s just about having a little fun—and causing maximum damage.”
Lance Stroll isn’t too keen on the idea either. He says he “couldn’t care less” about the building-block concept. “I think if those things had another 600 PS, then it would be interesting.”