Article: Everything We Know So Far About the 2026 LEGO® Audi F1 R26 Speed Champions Set| Mark's Magic

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Jan 23, 2026bricks

Everything We Know So Far About the 2026 LEGO® Audi F1 R26 Speed Champions Set| Mark's Magic

LEGO has officially revealed the latest addition to the Speed Champions lineup:
Set 77259 – Audi Revolut F1 Team R26 Race Car, released later today.

The timing is no coincidence. As Audi unveils its brand-new Formula 1 car for the 2026 season, LEGO’s version of the R26 becomes only the second known 2026-regulation F1 car revealed so far — marking an important step into a new era for both Formula 1 and LEGO Speed Champions.

LEGO® Speed Champions 77259 – Audi Revolut F1 Team R26

Set Overview

Set Name: Audi Revolut F1 Team R26 Race Car
Set Number: 77259
Theme: LEGO® Speed Champions
Release Date: 2026
Piece Count: 216 pieces
Minifigures: 1 exclusive driver minifigure
Vehicle Length: Approx. 19 cm
Based On: Audi Formula 1 Team – 2026 regulation car
Category: Formula 1 / Motorsport / Speed Champions

A 2026 Car, Built to 2026 Rules

One thing becomes clear immediately when looking at the Audi R26:
this is not a reskinned 2025 car.

The real 2026 F1 regulations introduce smaller overall dimensions, simplified aerodynamics, and tighter proportions — and LEGO has followed that direction closely.

Previous Speed Champions F1 cars typically measured 21–22 cm in length
The Audi R26 is reduced to approximately 19 cm

This scale reduction is subtle but meaningful, and it reflects the real-world change rather than a cost-cutting decision. From a design standpoint, it’s a strong sign that LEGO is actively adjusting its F1 models instead of reusing last year’s template.

Suspension Changes: Regression or Accuracy?

One of the most discussed design choices is the absence of LEGO’s new 2025 F1 suspension element (part 6813).

At first glance, some fans see this as a step backwards.
But when viewed through the lens of realism, the decision actually makes sense.

The Audi R26’s suspension design more closely resembles the 2024-era solutions, and LEGO mirrors that by returning to a more traditional Speed Champions suspension layout. In other words, this isn’t simplification for convenience — it’s a deliberate attempt to stay true to the real car’s structure.

Not “Just a Sticker Swap”: Structural Differences Matter

A common criticism of Speed Champions F1 cars is that they’re “all the same car with different stickers.”

That argument doesn’t hold up here.

Yes, the front wing and rear wing are broadly similar across teams due to regulation constraints — just like in real Formula 1.
But beyond that, the differences are substantial:

Sidepod shaping
Floor and diffuser design
Engine cover geometry
Internal structure and building solutions

Each car uses different construction logic, even if the silhouette looks familiar at first glance. From a builder’s perspective, the Audi R26 is very much its own model.

Front Wing, Rear Wing, and New Elements

The front wing and rear wing both show noticeable updates compared to previous releases, with shapes that align more closely to 2026 regulations.

The rear wing and diffuser area, in particular, stand out:

A narrower wing profile
Revised endplate geometry
A noticeably different diffuser layout

Several new elements are introduced here, making this section one of the most interesting parts of the build.

The Vertical Audi Logo: Visually Awkward, Understandably So

One design choice that has divided opinion is the vertical Audi rings on the nose.

For many fans, it simply looks… odd.
And that reaction is completely fair.

The most likely explanation is timing. LEGO’s design process likely locked in early concept data, when Audi’s branding placement had not yet fully settled. Early Audi concept visuals did feature variations that later disappeared in the final livery reveal.

In short:
this appears to be a design freeze timing issue, not a creative misstep.

Printed Parts: A Clear Win

If there’s one point of near-universal agreement, it’s this:

The number of printed parts is a big win.

Curved elements that would normally rely on stickers appear to be printed instead, earning widespread praise from the community. In a line where stickers have long been a sore point, this decision significantly improves both build experience and long-term display quality.

More printed parts = cleaner models, better aging, and stronger collector appeal.

Minifigure and Exclusive Helmet

The set includes:

216 pieces
One exclusive minifigure

The driver minifigure is simple, but the helmet design — especially the dual-molded red visor — has quickly become a fan favorite and will likely see heavy use in custom builds beyond this set.

What Comes Next: Full 2026 Grid?

That’s the big question.

So far, we know:

Audi has revealed its 2026 car
Red Bull has already shown its 2026 challenger

Will LEGO continue the momentum and release more 2026 F1 cars?

The wildcard is Cadillac. With Zhou Guanyu expected to join the team, interest in a Cadillac Speed Champions set is especially strong among Chinese fans. Given how successful LEGO’s F1 themes have been in 2025 — across Speed Champions, Technic, and even City — expectations are high.

Final Thoughts

The LEGO® Audi F1 R26 isn’t a flawless set.

The vertical logo will bother some
The smaller size will surprise others
And it won’t visually align perfectly with older 2024–2025 displays

But it does something more important.

It proves that LEGO is willing to evolve Speed Champions alongside Formula 1, embracing real regulation changes instead of freezing the line in time.