LEGO recently announced a number of motorsport-inspired sets aimed at racing fans, from kid-friendly LEGO City cars and pull-back car models to more complex Technic sets that raise the bar on realism. The one that really drew in the most attention, though, is the LEGO Icons McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna, which lets you build one of the most successful Formula One cars of all time.
Styled to recreate the legendary McLaren MP4/4, the set brings to life in toy scale the same car that won 15 of 16 races back in 1988, allowing the team to finish 134 points ahead of the second place Ferrari. Sure, it’s not quite as detailed as more complex Technic F1 models, being a part of the Icon series, but it definitely captures the essence and the aesthetic of the storied open-wheel formula racing car. We, honestly, can’t imagine any F1 fans who will want to pass this one up.
The LEGO Icons McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna captures the look and feel of the iconic car quite well, from the flattened profile common in F1 cars from that period and the ultra-low chassis to the distinct nose cone and the large rear wing. Suffice to say, any racing fan will easily recognize it as the legendary model at first sight, making this an absolute treat, as the car continues to be one of the most revered racing vehicles of all time.
While it is simpler than standard Technic models, the car does have some working parts. The steering, for instance, actually lets you turn the front wheels, while the rear wing can be adjusted to maximize aerodynamics while racing on your desk. It also gets a detailed turbocharged V6 engine, which is easily visible behind the driver seat, as well as detailed elements for the rod suspension, gearshift, and more. Naturally, it gets slick tires that allow it to glide through the tracks with as little friction from the ground as possible.
The LEGO Icons McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna also gets a minifigure of Senna, who was crowned overall champion driving the car that 1988 season. Sadly, they didn’t include a minifig of his teammate Alain Prost, who also drove the same model during races and took runner-up in the overall standings. Then again, maybe LEGO is saving that for when they eventually do make a Technic version of this car. We mean… it only makes sense a Technic model will be on the pipe, considering this car’s lofty place racing history.
A total of 693 pieces are included in the set, so this is the kind of build even younger LEGO enthusiasts should be able to finish. Do note, it is marked as 18+ on the box packaging, but a 693-piece model is exactly the kind of thing our 12-year old selves would have spent the weekend putting together. It comes with a podium-style display stand (so Senna can get his shine) and an information plaque.
The LEGO Icons McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna is available now, priced at $79.99.