In a groundbreaking announcement during the Las Vegas Grand Prix week, the LEGO Group has revealed a multi-year partnership with F1 ACADEMY. This collaboration will introduce a new LEGO Racing car, set to be driven by Dutch racer Esmee Kosterman, who is poised to join the grid in the 2026 season. The partnership, unveiled in the pitlane of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, marks a significant addition to the all-female racing series launched in 2023.
As part of this collaboration, the first official F1 ACADEMY LEGO Speed Champions set is now available for pre-order. The set features 201 pieces, including aerodynamic detailing, Kosterman’s #32 race number, and a matching minifigure designed in the LEGO Racing color scheme. This initiative aims to engage younger fans while highlighting the championship’s commitment to nurturing female talent in motorsport.
Esmee Kosterman’s Rising Career
The 2026 season will also be significant for Kosterman, as it marks her first full season in the championship. The 20-year-old made her F1 ACADEMY debut last year as a Wild Card at her home race in Zandvoort, showcasing a promising trajectory with notable performances across junior categories, including a historic victory in the Ford Fiesta Sprint Cup.
Kosterman’s racing car features a unique LEGO Racing livery developed by the LEGO Group’s in-house design team. The design integrates motorsport imagery with LEGO’s signature colors and playful aesthetics, showcasing a blend of real-world performance and creativity.
Fostering Female Representation in Motorsport
The timing of this partnership aligns with a rapidly expanding audience for Formula 1, particularly among women. According to research conducted by the LEGO Group, women now constitute 42% of the global fanbase. The same research indicates a growing interest in motorsport among young girls, with 87% expressing a desire for more opportunities for women in the sport. Over half of those surveyed can envision themselves as drivers.
This collaboration aspires to capitalize on this momentum by enhancing visibility, representation, and access within motorsport culture. At the inaugural F1 ACADEMY event during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, LEGO plans to reward podium finishers with custom LEGO Botanicals Bouquets, each consisting of over 2,000 elements in its build.
Fans can now visit LEGO’s official website to pre-order the upcoming set and learn more about this exciting partnership. With the enthusiasm surrounding both the F1 ACADEMY and LEGO Racing, the future of female representation in motorsport is looking increasingly bright.
For continued updates on this year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix and other developments, stay tuned to reputable news sources.
