The Mercedes-AMG Formula One team has been a dominant force in recent years, securing 7 driver’s championships and 8 constructors’ championships since rejoining the sport in 2010. Given their remarkable success, it’s no surprise that LEGO has launched a series of LEGO F1 car sets featuring the team’s cutting-edge designs. These LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 cars capture the essence of the team’s performance, bringing fans the chance to build and display their own LEGO Formula 1 car models. The collection showcases the incredible engineering and precision that have defined the Mercedes-AMG F1 legacy, making them a must-have for both LEGO car display enthusiasts and motorsport fans alike.
The box features the sleek all-black 18+ design, with a teal bottom border that perfectly complements the signature Petronas green. Despite the dark livery of the LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 car, the model itself stands out beautifully against the striking box art, making it an eye-catching display piece. The LEGO F1 car design shines through, emphasizing the intricate details of the LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 model. Whether you're showcasing it in your collection or simply admiring the box, it’s clear that this set is a must-have for any LEGO car display enthusiast.
Build Process
Bag 11 brings the addition of the halo and further enhances the bodywork, while Bag 12 finalizes the build, completing the LEGO F1 car model. Overall, it’s an enjoyable and engaging building experience, filled with innovative techniques. It’s impressive to see how LEGO Technic panels are utilized to replicate the authentic details of the real car, capturing the essence of the LEGO Technic Ferrari Daytona SP3 or LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 car. This model perfectly highlights how LEGO Technic car displays can showcase both the technical precision and iconic design of these amazing vehicles.
Completed Model
The sleek all-black livery looks amazing, especially on the sections featuring glossy LEGO elements that give it a polished finish. The Petronas green accents bring a touch of vibrant color to the model, even though most of them are applied through stickers. Speaking of stickers, while there are quite a few, they are strategically placed to enhance the design, and the model would not look as impressive without them. The color scheme of the LEGO F1 car model is slightly more subdued compared to the real-life version, as the driver numbers are omitted, allowing this car to be associated with either Lewis Hamilton or George Russell. It's a great example of how LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 cars can be customized while still maintaining their iconic look.
Looking at the model from the underside reveals some of the intricate mechanical details, such as the V6 engine, the steering mechanism, and the rear suspension. These elements are designed with remarkable precision, showcasing the technical expertise that goes into creating a LEGO Technic F1 car. The way these components work together highlights the sophistication of the real-world car, making this LEGO F1 model a fantastic representation of its mechanical brilliance. Whether you're showcasing it in a LEGO car display or simply admiring the craftsmanship, these details truly bring the model to life.
The shaping around the front section is executed excellently. Angled LEGO panels are cleverly used on the top to mimic the curvature of the W14’s nose, which appeared slightly exaggerated in official images but looks great in person. Even though some of the internal colors are visible, I appreciate how the panels align so well, maintaining the continuity of the Petronas green striping throughout the model. This attention to detail enhances the overall look of the LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 car, making it a fantastic addition to any LEGO Mercedes-AMG collection. The precise alignment of these panels truly captures the essence of the real car’s sleek design, making it a standout piece in a LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 car display.
The rear suspension is more noticeable from the underside, where you can also see the horizontally mounted suspension linkages. The suspension feels quite firm, ensuring that it won’t sag over time. It supports the LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 car securely, keeping it slightly raised above a level surface, which adds to its realistic appearance. This robust suspension design is a testament to the attention to detail in this LEGO Mercedes-AMG model, showcasing the model’s durability and stability. Whether on display or during handling, it remains in great condition, making it a perfect addition to any LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 car collection.
The V6 engine features six pistons that move as the LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 car is rolled, thanks to the differential located at the rear. This dynamic feature adds a layer of realism and is a fun detail for any LEGO Mercedes-AMG enthusiast. The ability to view the engine even after the build is complete is a fantastic touch, showcasing the intricate design and engineering of the real car. It's these small, engaging details that make the LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 car a standout piece in any LEGO car collection, and a must-have for fans who appreciate both aesthetics and functionality in their models.
Finally, we arrive at the wheels. The new pieces introduced for the hubcaps are visually appealing, and the slick tyres enhance the overall look of the LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 car. However, it's unfortunate that these tyres are not printed, especially considering how prominent the Pirelli tyre designs are on the real Mercedes-AMG F1 car. This feels like a missed opportunity, especially since LEGO Technic cars in future releases are set to feature printed tyres. It's a small detail, but for fans of LEGO Mercedes-AMG models, having the accurate tyre designs would have taken this model to the next level. Nonetheless, the tyres still look great, and the rest of the build is fantastic, making this LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 car a highly collectible piece.
Final
Overall, I’m really impressed with the 42171 LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance, and I’m confident that F1 enthusiasts will share my excitement. This LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 car does a remarkable job of capturing the signature details and proportions of the W14, with the only notable exception being the wheels. The set includes key functions like steering and a working engine, making it a true LEGO Technic car experience. While some veteran Technic fans might wish for additional features, such as remotely activated DRS (come on, LEGO, we can dream!), the balance between functionality and design is spot-on.
Priced at US$219.99, the set is certainly on the expensive side, especially considering its 1,632-piece count. However, many of the pieces are large and contribute to the overall bulk of the model, making the price more justifiable. In comparison to the 42141 McLaren Formula One Race Car, this model offers far better accuracy, aesthetics, and shaping, easily justifying the extra $20.
While this set might not appeal to everyone, fans of F1 or LEGO Technic cars will certainly enjoy the building process and be proud to display the stunning final result. It’s just a shame that the tyres weren't printed, as they would have made a perfect finishing touch on this already impressive LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 car.
