LEGO Group Unveils Landmark Partnership with F1 Academy, Launching Official Car Set and Entry onto 2026 Grid

Las Vegas, NV – In a significant move set to bolster the visibility and reach of women in motorsport, The LEGO Group and F1 Academy have announced a multi-year partnership that will see the construction toy giant release an official F1 Academy car set and field a dedicated car on the series’ 2026 grid. The landmark agreement, unveiled on the eve of the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix, signals a powerful collaboration aimed at inspiring a new generation of female talent in racing and beyond.

The partnership was formally presented by F1 Academy Director Susie Wolff and LEGO Group Chief Marketing Officer Julia Goldin. Central to the announcement was the introduction of 20-year-old Dutch racer Esmee Kosterman, who is slated to drive the LEGO-branded car, featuring a vibrant colour scheme, when it makes its debut on the F1 Academy grid in 2026. Kosterman, a former kart and Formula 4 competitor, made her F1 Academy debut earlier this year as a wildcard entry at her home race in Zandvoort, marking her as an emerging talent within the series.

The agreement represents a dual-pronged approach, combining tangible product development with active participation in the sport. On one hand, the partnership will yield a 201-piece LEGO construction set of an F1 Academy car, available for pre-order and scheduled for release in March 2026. On the other, it secures LEGO Group’s direct involvement in the championship as a team entrant, underscoring a commitment that extends beyond merchandising to the core development of female drivers.

F1 Academy, established in 2023, was created with the explicit mission to develop and prepare female drivers to progress to higher levels of motorsport, including Formula 3, Formula 2, and ultimately, Formula 1. The series aims to address the historic underrepresentation of women in racing by providing a competitive and structured pathway, complete with comprehensive support for its athletes. Operating with seven teams, each fielding three cars, and racing predominantly alongside Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends, F1 Academy provides a critical platform for talent identification and development. Its inaugural season saw significant interest, and its second season in 2024 has continued to build momentum, with all ten Formula 1 teams now backing a driver, further integrating the series into the wider F1 ecosystem.

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For The LEGO Group, this collaboration aligns seamlessly with its long-standing commitment to inspiring creativity, fostering development, and championing diversity. The company has a rich history of engaging with motorsport through various product lines, notably the LEGO Speed Champions series, which recreates iconic racing cars, and the more complex LEGO Technic sets, which delve into the engineering intricacies of high-performance vehicles. However, this partnership with F1 Academy marks a distinct departure, focusing explicitly on empowering young girls and promoting female representation in a field traditionally dominated by men.

Susie Wolff, a former racing driver herself and a vocal advocate for women in motorsport, articulated the profound significance of the collaboration. "We’re so proud to welcome The LEGO Group as an official partner of F1 Academy," Wolff stated. "This collaboration isn’t just about the possibility of building an F1 Academy LEGO car; it’s about building belief in what’s possible. With our first partnership product, fans will be able to create something that stands for opportunity and representation."

Wolff continued, emphasizing the aspirational aspect of the initiative: "We hope every young girl who picks up these bricks sees more than just a model; she sees herself, her potential, and her place in the world of motorsport, whether as a fan, engineer, driver, or leader. Together, we’re challenging outdated perceptions of who belongs in motorsport and empowering the next generation of young women to build their own paths." Her sentiments underscore the broader social impact F1 Academy seeks to achieve, extending beyond the racetrack to influence perceptions and career aspirations.

Julia Goldin, Chief Marketing Officer at The LEGO Group, echoed Wolff’s vision, highlighting the strategic importance of the partnership from the brand’s perspective. "F1 Academy is levelling the playing field in motorsport, giving young female athletes a clear pathway to achieve their dreams in the top tiers of the sport," Goldin remarked. "We can’t wait to see LEGO Racing join the F1 Academy grid and are so excited to have Esmee as our driver."

Goldin also pointed to the groundbreaking nature of the product itself. "For the first time, fans can hold their favourite F1 Academy LEGO car in their hands, and I’m thrilled that we’re securing female representation in racing toys for young girls," she added. "We hope the infusion of LEGO play and creativity to this exciting sport inspires the next generation of young women in motorsport, as well as the female builders of tomorrow, that anything is possible." The release of a dedicated F1 Academy car set is a tangible step towards normalizing female participation in motorsport within children’s play, a crucial factor in shaping early interests and perceptions.

The selection of Esmee Kosterman as the driver for the LEGO-backed car is particularly pertinent. As a young driver who has progressed through various junior categories, including karting and F4, and already made her mark in F1 Academy, she embodies the very pathway the series aims to establish. Her role will involve not only competing but also acting as an ambassador, connecting with young fans and aspiring racers. Her background provides a relatable narrative for those looking to enter the sport, illustrating the dedication and talent required to compete at this level.

The partnership arrives at a time of increasing scrutiny and investment in diversity within global sports. Motorsport, in particular, has faced challenges in diversifying its participant base. Initiatives like F1 Academy, supported by globally recognized brands such as The LEGO Group, are critical for demonstrating tangible progress and creating sustainable change. The financial backing and marketing power of a brand like LEGO can significantly amplify F1 Academy’s message, drawing new audiences and potential sponsors to the series.

Looking ahead to 2026, the sight of a LEGO-branded car on the F1 Academy grid will not only be a visually striking addition but also a powerful symbol. It will represent a confluence of play, education, and high-performance sport, all geared towards a singular objective: empowering the next generation of women. The partnership underscores a shared belief that access, representation, and opportunity are fundamental to fostering talent, regardless of gender. This collaboration is poised to be more than just a commercial deal; it is a strategic alliance designed to build a future where the world of motorsport is truly open to everyone.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.