Review: 76909 Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance & Mercedes-AMG Project One
Posted by CapnRex101,
Formula 1 cars have appeared in various Speed Champions sets, although none since 2018. The established Speed Champions scale was altered during 2020, allowing significant improvements within the range. Of course, such changes have not affected Formula 1 designs.
76909 Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance & Mercedes-AMG Project One perfectly demonstrates how the enlarged scale enhances Speed Champions models, since the Formula 1 car looks fantastic. Furthermore, the accompanying Project One hypercar displays exceptional detail, including subtle features of this unique car.
Summary
76909 Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance & Mercedes-AMG Project One, 564 pieces.
£39.99 / $34.99 / €44.99 | 7.1p/6.2c/8.0c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
These complementary cars are among my favourite Speed Champions models to date!
- Consistent high standard between both models
- Impressive accuracy and detail
- Ingenious building techniques
- Surprisingly inexpensive in the US
- Awkward sticker use in some areas
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Speed Champions occasionally features minifigures inspired by real people, although the yellow skin tone traditionally associated with original characters remains. Nevertheless, this Formula 1 driver is certainly based upon Lewis Hamilton, featuring an appropriate hair piece and head for the British driver. The bearded element also portrayed Lewis in 75883 Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team.
The Mercedes racing overalls feature impressive detail, including accurate sponsors and pale blue stripes, with subtle stitching underneath. The female driver, provided with the Project One, exhibits simpler decoration. Her black and dark red jacket looks splendid though, displaying the Mercedes AMG branding across the front and back.
An alternative hat and hair component accompanies this driver. Teal suits the Mercedes team nicely and this element originated with the recent Bird-watcher Collectable Minifigure. Neither minifigure includes a double-sided head, but a pearl silver wrench is present for removing the wheel inserts.
References
Source - Wikipedia.com
Source - Mercedes-Benz.com
The Completed Model
LEGO has produced countless Formula 1 cars at various scales. This rendition measures 19cm long and strikes a perfect balance between size and detail, providing equal play and display value. The proportions seem particularly impressive, since earlier models have sometimes struggled to replicate the relative sizes of the front and rear wings. Moreover, the scale permits extensive detail, even though stickers are prevalent.
The dark colour scheme, not traditionally associated with Mercedes AMG, originates from the 2020 and 2021 Formula 1 seasons, representing a commitment towards diversity. This design takes inspiration from the 2021 car and closely resembles its source material, particularly since the grey section behind the airbox is unique. Accurate teal and dark red highlights are included as well.
The front wing appears realistically fragile, becoming narrow at certain points. The structure is quite strong though, neatly secured using the Technic axle that also supports the front wheels. Inevitably, several stickers are applied here and display accurate sponsors, but the Mercedes emblem on a 1x1 half curved tile is actually printed. The shape of this element looks perfect in relation to the original car.
Impressive detail continues around the cockpit, where exclusive teal accessory holders form wing mirrors. The teal stripes decorating each side look marvellous too, especially since they only involve stickers where truly necessary. Moreover, I like the curved halo around the cockpit, employing the same building technique as 76898 Formula E Panasonic Jaguar Racing GEN2 Car & Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY.
However, seating a minifigure inside reveals a problem, as they are surprisingly exposed. The seat is recessed as far as possible, but cannot accommodate the driver nicely. Unfortunately, I think that was unavoidable without changing the outward proportions, in which case the current design is the best available option. The bodywork surrounding the cockpit certainly looks good.
Alternative parts and stickers are included to represent Valtteri Bottas' car, featuring the racing number 77 and a yellow camera mount above the airbox. That option is welcome, even though an appropriate minifigure is not provided. Otherwise, the vehicle remains unchanged, displaying accurate dark red and grey highlights. The latter design requires several stickers.
Tyres have presented consistent issues when developing LEGO Formula 1 cars, particularly for smaller models. This car therefore includes the standard wheels introduced during 2020, albeit with printed wheel caps originating from 75891 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Race Car. These widen the tyres somewhat and feature Pirelli branding, which looks superb.
Additionally, the blue colour denotes full wet tyres, loosely reflecting their rough tread pattern. Completely new tyres would have been welcome though and could have proven useful in the future. The structure beneath the rear wing seems fairly bulky, but provides ample support for the apparently fragile wing, which is actually deceptively sturdy!
The Mercedes Project One is an ideal companion for the Formula 1 car, since this sports car incorporates Formula 1 technology. The airbox and vertical fin towards the back are definitely reminiscent of Mercedes AMG Formula 1 cars, while the light bluish grey and black livery, with teal decoration, also matches the team's standard colour scheme.
Given the curved bodywork shape, I think the Project One appears reasonably accurate when viewed from the side. Fewer straight lines might have been even better and the section behind the rear wheels seems elongated, but the general proportions are excellent. In addition, various subtler details are present, including pronounced black panels alongside the wheel arches.
I think the model looks particularly appealing from the front, where its distinctive radiator grille assembly is most visible. The printed grille at the centre looks fantastic and the surrounding bodywork shape reflects the original car. Of course, the printed headlights are also attractive, taking advantage of the new 2x3 curved wedge slopes. The colour matching on the Mercedes sticker is noticeably poor though, unfortunately.
The colour difference is less conspicuous on the flanks, where stickers create flowing stripes. Even so, this is something which must be addressed because the same issue affected 76905 Ford GT Heritage Edition and Bronco R last year. Thankfully, many external features avoid the need for stickers, as black wheel arches comprise rounded vents on the bonnet and exposed studs loosely resemble louvres above the wheels.
By contrast, the interior is sparsely detailed. Stickers form the centre console and a computer display, but the seats are extremely basic and the steering wheel is not perfectly positioned in front of the driver. However, such compromises are sometimes needed for the external design and prioritising the exterior was sensible.
The windscreen looks good, but I dislike the stickers continuing its shape. Noticeable gaps are inevitably visible between the stickers, although I am not sure how that issue could have been avoided. Fortunately, the air intake and fin are superb, recreating perhaps the most distinctive feature from the original Project One.
This stylish fin is ingeniously assembled using a 2x6x4 vertical stabiliser, attached with Technic pins and partially hidden inside the body. Plates and tiles are then fitted sideways beside the fin, closing any gaps. The entire structure slots together seamlessly and colourful elements, such as the red 1x1 round tile with bar shown below, are concealed when the bodywork is finished.
Several stickers decorate the rear, forming vents and accurately recreating the source material. The black 1x2 curved wedge slopes flanking the exhaust are absolutely perfect, while the trans-red lights are suitably positioned. Moreover, the adjustable rear wing looks splendid and can be detached, as though retracted. The clips would need to be removed and resulting gaps filled, but those adjustments would be easy.
Overall
I have been looking forward to another Formula 1 car since Speed Champions' traditional scale was updated two years ago. 76909 Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance & Mercedes-AMG Project One does not disappoint, as Lewis Hamilton's car includes tremendous detail and has undoubtedly benefitted from the enlarged size, relative to previous Formula 1 cars from Speed Champions.
Additionally, the Mercedes-AMG Project One has exceeded my expectations. The model offers many recognisable features from the original subject and its complex construction is enjoyable. Certain inaccuracies are apparent on both cars, but I think they would be difficult to improve at this scale. The price of £34.99, $29.99 or €39.99 represents outstanding value for the US, but I consider this a worthy purchase anywhere!
120 likes
35 comments on this article
I’m a new Formula 1 fan, so I’m stoked to see Lego return to the sport. The F1 car looks marvelous, and I’m sure is the reason most will buy this set, but the other car is no slouch either.
$30 is almost absurdly cheap. I guess they didn’t expect it to sell as well in the USA sincw F1 is traditionally less popular here, but that’s changing rapidly. The fact that this set sold out on the first day of its US sale says a lot.
Here’s hoping this is a trial balloon to see how well F1 cars would sell here. I want a full grid!
Well, not Haas.
One thing I would be interested in seeing in reviews(if possible) is seeing the models completed without and then with the stickers,
Definitely gonna pick this one up. F1 looks great, and stickers are fine since the real cars look basically like that. The Project One will probably lose some stickers, they just don't seem necessary.
I do wonder if the Jaguar pack and now this are subsidized by their manufacturers, to make them more appealing to buyers. Certainly helps me want this more than the Aston pack.
I will be getting these, as I really like Speed Champions sets, it just seems rather strange to release the 2021 car days before the 2022 cars start racing. And of course they are completely different and Bottas isn't driving for them.....Maybe they were planned to release much earlier but didnt?
@johleth said:
"One thing I would be interested in seeing in reviews(if possible) is seeing the models completed without and then with the stickers, "
It is fascinating to see the cars built without the stickers. Sometimes they look OK, sometimes…not.
The sets with F1s always seem to be cheaper by $20
Also, I'll probably skip this one. I prefer older cars in speed champions form
Interestingly after watching me build LEGO for over a decade, my wife decided to give it a try and her preference is Speed Champions! She’s never been overly interested in cars, but has really enjoyed the builds. The complexity and size are just right for an evening. Her being a MotoGP fan may help as well!
She refuses to apply the stickers, outsourcing this tedious job to me. I agree the AMG Project One looks much better without the side and roof stickers. Graciously, she is allowing me the build the outstanding F1.
A great improvement over the original Speed Champions F1 sets.
Interesting to see the mirrors positioned so Lewis can check his hair rather than the track behind him!
Nice - both cars look great!
Speed Champions is making a strong case for being my theme of the year so far.
@Lego34s said:
"I will be getting these, as I really like Speed Champions sets, it just seems rather strange to release the 2021 car days before the 2022 cars start racing. And of course they are completely different and Bottas isn't driving for them.....Maybe they were planned to release much earlier but didnt?"
Lego sets take a long time to develop while F1 driver contracts change quickly, and liveries for new seasons are developed under a cloak of secrecy. It's a bit like how the F1 video games for the season come out in the summer rather than the start of the season - the developers don't know what the cars will look like, who will be driving, what tracks will be on schedule, etc.
It wouldn't be unreasonable to think Lego could come out with current liveries sometime in the summer or fall, though. I hope they do!
I actively dislike cars and car culture but I always buy and enjoy the Speed Champions sets. The builds are often ingenious, especially since the switchover to 8-wide has apparently unlocked LEGO designers' power levels.
Interesting to see the rear spoiler on the project 1, considering its absent from the actual car. I do think it looks better with the spoiler though, gives it more of a complete look, and how they fitted that aircraft tail into the body, that is incredible. Not much interest in the F1 car, or F1 in general, but it looks good. I'm still waiting for a mainly black car, preferably in a single pack, as that would look really clean (dragster doesn't really count). Once again though, the UK price is a real turn off. All the larger speed champions sets seem to be about £10 overpriced here, considering legos usual pricing schemes (though to be fair, they're not very usual) and its always a no-go for me. The single pack cars though are magnificent!
Looks great but VERY DISSAPOINTED they didn't release this with a person of colour minifigure... given what Lewis Hamilton has done for the sport and this team.
@Goujon said:
"Interesting to see the rear spoiler on the project 1, considering its absent from the actual car ... "
As @CapnRex101 stated in the review, and the oficial gallery over at the MB website show, it's got a deployable spolier.
I've never gotten into F1 racing. I think the cars can look really neat. But I've never really felt compelled to buy one. But maybe one of these sets will change my mind.
@johleth said:
"One thing I would be interested in seeing in reviews(if possible) is seeing the models completed without and then with the stickers, "
I think that is a good idea. I don't get when reviews (of any theme) deliberately don't use the stickers just because the reviewer doesn't like them. These are sets provided free by Lego to showcase on here how they are supposed to look, not how the reviewer thinks they should. Fine, if you've bought the set then build it how you want. But before and after photos would be a sensible compromise.
In my opinion there are two big mistakes.
Black steering wheel. Nowadays the steering wheel is the center of the car. Without it, the car basically wouldn't work. They should print it or, at least, add a sticker.
Driver position. Don't agree that it couldn't be done better at this scale. I already did a first approach of a new design and it works.
Also it's weird for me to see full wet tyres. They are the less recognizable tyres for the fans. Should be better to use one of the slick colours (white, yellow or red).
Also front wing doesn't convince me.
Not to mention about world champion minifigure.
The overall car is nice, but as a core fan of F1, I think there is room for improvement.
@Lego34s said:
"...it just seems rather strange to release the 2021 car days before the 2022 cars start racing. And of course they are completely different and Bottas isn't driving for them.....Maybe they were planned to release much earlier but didnt?"
Well, just look what happened with the Technic McLaren.... Rather late but good than early and completely off...
Overall I think they did a pretty good job here, especially with the F1 car. Only those grey parts for the front axle stand out too much to me, I think black would have been better here. The Project One is less convincing, too blocky although they did a much better job than with the Lotus. And obviously too many stickers, but that's to be expected for a set like this.
@lluisgib said:
"In my opinion there are two big mistakes.
Black steering wheel. Nowadays the steering wheel is the center of the car. Without it, the car basically wouldn't work. They should print it or, at least, add a sticker.
Driver position. Don't agree that it couldn't be done better at this scale. I already did a first approach of a new design and it works.
Also it's weird for me to see full wet tyres. They are the less recognizable tyres for the fans. Should be better to use one of the slick colours (white, yellow or red).
Also front wing doesn't convince me.
Not to mention about world champion minifigure.
The overall car is nice, but as a core fan of F1, I think there is room for improvement. "
I was wondering what you would think, Lluís, given your selection of minifigure-scale F1 cars! I agree regarding the tyres, but the minifigure is already sitting on the base of the chassis, so changing that would entail adapting the bodywork, rather than lowering the seat further.
That is certainly possible, but I can imagine that spoiling the exterior.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @lluisgib said:
"In my opinion there are two big mistakes.
Black steering wheel. Nowadays the steering wheel is the center of the car. Without it, the car basically wouldn't work. They should print it or, at least, add a sticker.
Driver position. Don't agree that it couldn't be done better at this scale. I already did a first approach of a new design and it works.
Also it's weird for me to see full wet tyres. They are the less recognizable tyres for the fans. Should be better to use one of the slick colours (white, yellow or red).
Also front wing doesn't convince me.
Not to mention about world champion minifigure.
The overall car is nice, but as a core fan of F1, I think there is room for improvement. "
I was wondering what you would think, Lluís, given your selection of minifigure-scale F1 cars! I agree regarding the tyres, but the minifigure is already sitting on the base of the chassis, so changing that would entail adapting the bodywork, rather than lowering the seat further.
That is certainly possible, but I can imagine that spoiling the exterior."
Surely the practical answer (but not one Lego would do) is to take off the driver's legs and mount the torso on a 1x2 plate or 2.
I once built a sports car 10-wide but the roof was so low all I could fit was a minifig head.
I'm sure kids (maybe even some adults ;) ) might come up with solutions.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @lluisgib said:
"In my opinion there are two big mistakes.
Black steering wheel. Nowadays the steering wheel is the center of the car. Without it, the car basically wouldn't work. They should print it or, at least, add a sticker.
Driver position. Don't agree that it couldn't be done better at this scale. I already did a first approach of a new design and it works.
Also it's weird for me to see full wet tyres. They are the less recognizable tyres for the fans. Should be better to use one of the slick colours (white, yellow or red).
Also front wing doesn't convince me.
Not to mention about world champion minifigure.
The overall car is nice, but as a core fan of F1, I think there is room for improvement. "
I was wondering what you would think, Lluís, given your selection of minifigure-scale F1 cars! I agree regarding the tyres, but the minifigure is already sitting on the base of the chassis, so changing that would entail adapting the bodywork, rather than lowering the seat further.
That is certainly possible, but I can imagine that spoiling the exterior."
The simple answer is to modify the section of the steering wheel, to make it fly over the legs of the driver. Then you can put the driver 1 stud advanced, compared to the original position. With this change you can recline the driver and his position is more realistic.
To check how it looks, just remove the steering wheel and its support, and test the driver's position. It's much better.
I had to do some some "internal" changes, but they don't affect the exterior, except the vertical support of the halo. I had to use another part for it, but I'm thinking right now how to improve. I already have some ideas... :D
As a big fan of F1, I think this set is amazing. It's not perfect, but for essentially a 20 dollar Lego car, it's pretty accurate, a massive improvement from the last F1 sets they made. Now to pray to whoever is listening to make a 2 pack set of the Ferrari team
I really like it even not a mercedes fan but this is one great set. https://youtu.be/k3u5Kdi9E4I
I forgot to mention that there is also a very simple solution to avoid any horizontal movement of the part 6365505 (the grey flag with the 44 in the rear side). Just substitute the two jumper plates on the bottom for a 2x2 tile, and attach to the parts 6040297 and 6040298 one 1 x 2 plate to each one, and the banner will become fixed. Don't understand why the designers left this part as it is.
@lluisgib said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" @lluisgib said:
"In my opinion there are two big mistakes.
Black steering wheel. Nowadays the steering wheel is the center of the car. Without it, the car basically wouldn't work. They should print it or, at least, add a sticker.
Driver position. Don't agree that it couldn't be done better at this scale. I already did a first approach of a new design and it works.
Also it's weird for me to see full wet tyres. They are the less recognizable tyres for the fans. Should be better to use one of the slick colours (white, yellow or red).
Also front wing doesn't convince me.
Not to mention about world champion minifigure.
The overall car is nice, but as a core fan of F1, I think there is room for improvement. "
I was wondering what you would think, Lluís, given your selection of minifigure-scale F1 cars! I agree regarding the tyres, but the minifigure is already sitting on the base of the chassis, so changing that would entail adapting the bodywork, rather than lowering the seat further.
That is certainly possible, but I can imagine that spoiling the exterior."
The simple answer is to modify the section of the steering wheel, to make it fly over the legs of the driver. Then you can put the driver 1 stud advanced, compared to the original position. With this change you can recline the driver and his position is more realistic.
To check how it looks, just remove the steering wheel and its support, and test the driver's position. It's much better.
I had to do some some "internal" changes, but they don't affect the exterior, except the vertical support of the halo. I had to use another part for it, but I'm thinking right now how to improve. I already have some ideas... :D"
Would the steering wheel fit on plate 21445? Because that would allow to slide the driver one stud forward, recline him/her and then attach the wheel above the legs with the special plate 21445 - did not try it but might be (an element) of solution.
Never mind that, I just saw the instructions and that is not even relevant. There are a few ways to clear the space for the legs but that would move a few brackets away in the early steps (would need to swap 1x2 brackets (light gray) for 1x1 and then put a special plate on top to attach the steering wheel).
@HOBBES said:
" @lluisgib said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" @lluisgib said:
"In my opinion there are two big mistakes.
Black steering wheel. Nowadays the steering wheel is the center of the car. Without it, the car basically wouldn't work. They should print it or, at least, add a sticker.
Driver position. Don't agree that it couldn't be done better at this scale. I already did a first approach of a new design and it works.
Also it's weird for me to see full wet tyres. They are the less recognizable tyres for the fans. Should be better to use one of the slick colours (white, yellow or red).
Also front wing doesn't convince me.
Not to mention about world champion minifigure.
The overall car is nice, but as a core fan of F1, I think there is room for improvement. "
I was wondering what you would think, Lluís, given your selection of minifigure-scale F1 cars! I agree regarding the tyres, but the minifigure is already sitting on the base of the chassis, so changing that would entail adapting the bodywork, rather than lowering the seat further.
That is certainly possible, but I can imagine that spoiling the exterior."
The simple answer is to modify the section of the steering wheel, to make it fly over the legs of the driver. Then you can put the driver 1 stud advanced, compared to the original position. With this change you can recline the driver and his position is more realistic.
To check how it looks, just remove the steering wheel and its support, and test the driver's position. It's much better.
I had to do some some "internal" changes, but they don't affect the exterior, except the vertical support of the halo. I had to use another part for it, but I'm thinking right now how to improve. I already have some ideas... :D"
Would the steering wheel fit on plate 21445? Because that would allow to slide the driver one stud forward, recline him/her and then attach the wheel above the legs with the special plate 21445 - did not try it but might be (an element) of solution.
Never mind that, I just saw the instructions and that is not even relevant. There are a few ways to clear the space for the legs but that would move a few brackets away in the early steps (would need to swap 1x2 brackets (light gray) for 1x1 and then put a special plate on top to attach the steering wheel).
"
No, it doesn't fit. It needs a stud. What I have done is to use a jumper plate and a bracket to attach the steering wheel.
@HOBBES said:
" @lluisgib said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" @lluisgib said:
"In my opinion there are two big mistakes.
Black steering wheel. Nowadays the steering wheel is the center of the car. Without it, the car basically wouldn't work. They should print it or, at least, add a sticker.
Driver position. Don't agree that it couldn't be done better at this scale. I already did a first approach of a new design and it works.
Also it's weird for me to see full wet tyres. They are the less recognizable tyres for the fans. Should be better to use one of the slick colours (white, yellow or red).
Also front wing doesn't convince me.
Not to mention about world champion minifigure.
The overall car is nice, but as a core fan of F1, I think there is room for improvement. "
I was wondering what you would think, Lluís, given your selection of minifigure-scale F1 cars! I agree regarding the tyres, but the minifigure is already sitting on the base of the chassis, so changing that would entail adapting the bodywork, rather than lowering the seat further.
That is certainly possible, but I can imagine that spoiling the exterior."
The simple answer is to modify the section of the steering wheel, to make it fly over the legs of the driver. Then you can put the driver 1 stud advanced, compared to the original position. With this change you can recline the driver and his position is more realistic.
To check how it looks, just remove the steering wheel and its support, and test the driver's position. It's much better.
I had to do some some "internal" changes, but they don't affect the exterior, except the vertical support of the halo. I had to use another part for it, but I'm thinking right now how to improve. I already have some ideas... :D"
Would the steering wheel fit on plate 21445? Because that would allow to slide the driver one stud forward, recline him/her and then attach the wheel above the legs with the special plate 21445 - did not try it but might be (an element) of solution.
Never mind that, I just saw the instructions and that is not even relevant. There are a few ways to clear the space for the legs but that would move a few brackets away in the early steps (would need to swap 1x2 brackets (light gray) for 1x1 and then put a special plate on top to attach the steering wheel).
"
You can actually do a lot about the driver position, but that would mean an entire different build. Just uploaded an idea onto the Lego Idea's site and the fifth image shows how you can improve the drivers position.
https://ideas.lego.com/s/p:342e16314a924283b2d2b5659c9bab2e
Would be awesome if you supported this idea while checking btw ;-)
@_MrB_ said:
" @HOBBES said:
" @lluisgib said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" @lluisgib said:
"In my opinion there are two big mistakes.
Black steering wheel. Nowadays the steering wheel is the center of the car. Without it, the car basically wouldn't work. They should print it or, at least, add a sticker.
Driver position. Don't agree that it couldn't be done better at this scale. I already did a first approach of a new design and it works.
Also it's weird for me to see full wet tyres. They are the less recognizable tyres for the fans. Should be better to use one of the slick colours (white, yellow or red).
Also front wing doesn't convince me.
Not to mention about world champion minifigure.
The overall car is nice, but as a core fan of F1, I think there is room for improvement. "
I was wondering what you would think, Lluís, given your selection of minifigure-scale F1 cars! I agree regarding the tyres, but the minifigure is already sitting on the base of the chassis, so changing that would entail adapting the bodywork, rather than lowering the seat further.
That is certainly possible, but I can imagine that spoiling the exterior."
The simple answer is to modify the section of the steering wheel, to make it fly over the legs of the driver. Then you can put the driver 1 stud advanced, compared to the original position. With this change you can recline the driver and his position is more realistic.
To check how it looks, just remove the steering wheel and its support, and test the driver's position. It's much better.
I had to do some some "internal" changes, but they don't affect the exterior, except the vertical support of the halo. I had to use another part for it, but I'm thinking right now how to improve. I already have some ideas... :D"
Would the steering wheel fit on plate 21445? Because that would allow to slide the driver one stud forward, recline him/her and then attach the wheel above the legs with the special plate 21445 - did not try it but might be (an element) of solution.
Never mind that, I just saw the instructions and that is not even relevant. There are a few ways to clear the space for the legs but that would move a few brackets away in the early steps (would need to swap 1x2 brackets (light gray) for 1x1 and then put a special plate on top to attach the steering wheel).
"
You can actually do a lot about the driver position, but that would mean an entire different build. Just uploaded an idea onto the Lego Idea's site and the fifth image shows how you can improve the drivers position.
https://ideas.lego.com/s/p:342e16314a924283b2d2b5659c9bab2e
Would be awesome if you supported this idea while checking btw ;-)"
That's awesome. Didn't you think about printing the steering wheel?
BTW You used the same part I was thinking to use for the Halo central support. It is the part that is more close in shape to the real thing
@lluisgib said:
" @_MrB_ said:
" @HOBBES said:
" @lluisgib said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" @lluisgib said:
"In my opinion there are two big mistakes.
Black steering wheel. Nowadays the steering wheel is the center of the car. Without it, the car basically wouldn't work. They should print it or, at least, add a sticker.
Driver position. Don't agree that it couldn't be done better at this scale. I already did a first approach of a new design and it works.
Also it's weird for me to see full wet tyres. They are the less recognizable tyres for the fans. Should be better to use one of the slick colours (white, yellow or red).
Also front wing doesn't convince me.
Not to mention about world champion minifigure.
The overall car is nice, but as a core fan of F1, I think there is room for improvement. "
I was wondering what you would think, Lluís, given your selection of minifigure-scale F1 cars! I agree regarding the tyres, but the minifigure is already sitting on the base of the chassis, so changing that would entail adapting the bodywork, rather than lowering the seat further.
That is certainly possible, but I can imagine that spoiling the exterior."
The simple answer is to modify the section of the steering wheel, to make it fly over the legs of the driver. Then you can put the driver 1 stud advanced, compared to the original position. With this change you can recline the driver and his position is more realistic.
To check how it looks, just remove the steering wheel and its support, and test the driver's position. It's much better.
I had to do some some "internal" changes, but they don't affect the exterior, except the vertical support of the halo. I had to use another part for it, but I'm thinking right now how to improve. I already have some ideas... :D"
Would the steering wheel fit on plate 21445? Because that would allow to slide the driver one stud forward, recline him/her and then attach the wheel above the legs with the special plate 21445 - did not try it but might be (an element) of solution.
Never mind that, I just saw the instructions and that is not even relevant. There are a few ways to clear the space for the legs but that would move a few brackets away in the early steps (would need to swap 1x2 brackets (light gray) for 1x1 and then put a special plate on top to attach the steering wheel).
"
You can actually do a lot about the driver position, but that would mean an entire different build. Just uploaded an idea onto the Lego Idea's site and the fifth image shows how you can improve the drivers position.
https://ideas.lego.com/s/p:342e16314a924283b2d2b5659c9bab2e
Would be awesome if you supported this idea while checking btw ;-)"
That's awesome. Didn't you think about printing the steering wheel?
BTW You used the same part I was thinking to use for the Halo central support. It is the part that is more close in shape to the real thing"
I used a black ingot piece for the steering wheel. Since this already has two indentations and isn't really that visible from the outside, I figured to go with a blank one. There's enough stickers on this model as it is ;-)
I have a question! Is there any other Lego theme that shows the logo of the clothes manufacturer on a minifigure? In the case of the F1 driver there are Puma logos on the racing overalls. I have other Speed Champions minifigures that display maker's logos, like Alphastar and Sparco, on their overalls.
@CaptainUltimateGorilla said:
"I have a question! Is there any other Lego theme that shows the logo of the clothes manufacturer on a minifigure? In the case of the F1 driver there are Puma logos on the racing overalls. I have other Speed Champions minifigures that display maker's logos, like Alphastar and Sparco, on their overalls."
Yes. e.g. Adidas in soccer sets
I was super happy to see Lego do wide enough windows and have 2 seats in last years models. But this years models are truly impressive with their beautiful curves and building techniques. 2021 had an A for me but 2022 has really earned an A++. Looking wide eyed and bushy tailed for more new Speed Champ sets to come in the near future whether it be later in the year or 2023 sets to come.
I don't own any Speed Champions sets yet, but I plan on getting this one as an introduction to the theme.
@WemWem said:
"I’m a new Formula 1 fan, so I’m stoked to see Lego return to the sport. The F1 car looks marvelous, and I’m sure is the reason most will buy this set, but the other car is no slouch either.
$30 is almost absurdly cheap. I guess they didn’t expect it to sell as well in the USA sincw F1 is traditionally less popular here, but that’s changing rapidly. The fact that this set sold out on the first day of its US sale says a lot.
Here’s hoping this is a trial balloon to see how well F1 cars would sell here. I want a full grid!
Well, not Haas."
Wait what? Trail balloon is an English expression? (It exists in Dutch)
@rslotb said:
" @WemWem said:
"I’m a new Formula 1 fan, so I’m stoked to see Lego return to the sport. The F1 car looks marvelous, and I’m sure is the reason most will buy this set, but the other car is no slouch either.
$30 is almost absurdly cheap. I guess they didn’t expect it to sell as well in the USA sincw F1 is traditionally less popular here, but that’s changing rapidly. The fact that this set sold out on the first day of its US sale says a lot.
Here’s hoping this is a trial balloon to see how well F1 cars would sell here. I want a full grid!
Well, not Haas."
Wait what? Trail balloon is an English expression? (It exists in Dutch) "
Born and raised in the States - never heard it before. The expression caught my eye and I was wondering if it was something I wasn’t familiar with, is a bit out of date, or maybe was written by someone not from here originally!
Either way, I found it a fun expression and it stuck in my brain to try and learn more about it at some point XD