LEGO Racing Launches in F1 ACADEMY with Unique Livery Design

The LEGO Group has announced a multi-year partnership with F1 ACADEMY, marking its entry into the competitive world of motorsport. This collaboration was unveiled during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, where LEGO Racing debuted as a new team for the upcoming 2026 F1 ACADEMY season, featuring **20-year-old Dutch driver Esmee Kosterman**.

This partnership brings a fresh perspective to the racing grid, as LEGO Racing will showcase a distinctive livery designed by the company’s creative team. The livery incorporates a unique checkered pattern that blends the playful aesthetics of LEGO with racing elements, setting it apart from traditional motorsport designs. Unlike typical racing liveries that often emphasize aggressive typography and sponsor logos, LEGO Racing adopts a more approachable visual identity focused on brand recognition.

Innovative Livery and Product Launch

As part of the collaboration, the LEGO Group will launch the **LEGO Speed Champions F1 ACADEMY Race Car**, a **201-piece set** that will be available globally starting on **March 1, 2026**. This set captures the aerodynamic features of the actual race car and includes the racing number **#32** along with a minifigure dressed in LEGO Racing colors. Pre-orders are currently open at **LEGO.com**.

The livery’s design reflects a departure from traditional racing aesthetics. The LEGO Design team has crafted a playful visual that includes colors and patterns reminiscent of LEGO products. This new approach prioritizes engagement and recognition, making the racing experience more accessible to a wider audience.

During the Las Vegas F1 ACADEMY weekend, LEGO made a unique contribution to the podium ceremonies by presenting custom **LEGO Botanicals Bouquets** for the Race 1 and Race 2 winners. Each bouquet, constructed from nearly **2,000 LEGO elements**, weighs approximately **1 kg**, replacing conventional trophies with a creative LEGO interpretation.

Esmee Kosterman: Pioneering the Future of Female Drivers

Taking the wheel for LEGO Racing is **Esmee Kosterman**, who is poised to make her mark in her first full season with F1 ACADEMY. Kosterman has already made history by becoming the first woman to win in the **Ford Fiesta Sprint Cup series** in 2023, where she also placed second in the Junior Cup and third overall. She made her debut in F1 ACADEMY as a Wild Card driver at Round 5 in Zandvoort in 2024, prior to shifting to single-seater racing in the Indian F4 series.

Kosterman expressed her excitement about representing LEGO Racing, stating, “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.”

The launch of the LEGO Speed Champions F1 ACADEMY Race Car is significant not only for fans of the brand but also for the representation of women in motorsport. According to research conducted by the LEGO Group, **87% of girls** surveyed desire more opportunities in motorsport, with **75% finding racing exciting**. Despite this, **76% of parents** believe that motorsport is often viewed as primarily a male domain.

The representation gap extends to the toy industry as well, where racing toys have historically focused on male drivers and series. The LEGO Group highlights that **82% of parents** consider representation in motorsport important, while **52% of girls** surveyed envision themselves as potential F1 ACADEMY or race car drivers.

With this initiative, LEGO aims to bridge the gap in representation within the motorsport community and inspire young girls to pursue their dreams in racing. The LEGO Speed Champions F1 ACADEMY Race Car is now available for pre-order, with general retail availability set for **March 1, 2026**.