Formula 1 drivers expressed mixed reactions following an unconventional LEGO electric minicar parade held at Silverstone during the British Grand Prix weekend in July 2026.
The promotional event featured all 22 grid drivers operating 65-kilogram electric karts built from thousands of toy bricks.
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According to Auto Hebdo F1, each custom go-kart consisted of 28,000 LEGO bricks assembled around a metal chassis, reaching top speeds of 32 km/h.
Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso won the exhibition event, but several drivers openly disapproved of the marketing spectacle after multiple karts cut corners and drifted into gravel traps.
Verstappen Voices Displeasure
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen expressed strong dissatisfaction with the entertainment format, stating it lacked professional merit for the sport.
"I prefer playing with Lego at home with the kids. I prefer riding on a display truck with everyone.
It's more fun and it looks more professional. We're pilots of F1.
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We shouldn't look like children or clowns trying to crash into each other. That's not what F1 needs," Verstappen said.
Media criticism also emerged regarding the event's execution at a historic venue. GrandPrix247 Editor-in-Chief Paul Velasco published an open letter addressing the presentation.
The publication suggested alternative fan engagement strategies involving children rather than forcing professional drivers into promotional stunts.
In a separate social media update shared by Alpine ahead of the race weekend, television presenter Jeremy Clarkson commented on his recent interactions with the reigning world champion at the venue.
"I was stuck with Max Verstappen for two hours," Clarkson said.
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The collaborative event marked the beginning of a broader partnership between Formula 1 and global entertainment brands aimed at attracting younger audiences to the motorsport championship.
