The LEGO Group is taking on a new racing challenge in 2026 and beyond as the company sponsors the F1 Academy.
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According to an announcement in Las Vegas, this partnership brings together the brick-building brand and open-wheel racing through a multi-year partnership. The goal is to inspire young fans, especially girls.
The LEGO Group conducted research and learned that 87% of women surveyed would like to see more opportunities for girls in motorsports. This includes 52% who see themselves racing one day.
A key part of this partnership is the sponsorship of 20-year-old Dutch driver Esmee Kosterman, who will serve as the LEGO Racing driver in 2026. Kosterman became the first woman to win in the Ford Fiesta Sprint Cup series, doing so in 2023.
Kosterman will have a special livery highlighting the partnership, which will feature a blue, pink, and yellow color scheme. The race car will also have LEGO branding in multiple spots.
"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," said Kosterman in a press release.
"I've long been a fan of the LEGO brand, its creativity and what it stands for and to bring it to the track from the 2026 season onwards is incredible. I hope this inspires future generations of female drivers, that with hard work and determination, anything is possible!"
Fans will have the opportunity to own a miniature version of this F1 Academy car, which continues a long partnership with F1. The two organizations have joined forces to release a new set celebrating this partnership, which is now available for preorder.
Photo credit: LEGO Group
This LEGO set will feature the same livery, as well as the No. 32 that matches Kosterman's race car. The 201-set piece will also include a racer minifigure with the matching colors on her firesuit.
The set, which releases on March 1, will cost $27.99 USD, 22.99 GBP, and 27.99 EUR. It will measure over 1.5 in. (4 cm) high, 2.5 in. (7 cm) wide and 7 in. (18 cm) long.
"We're so proud to welcome the LEGO Group as an Official Partner of F1 Academy," said Susie Wolff, managing director of F1 Academy. "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.
"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."
