The LEGO Technic McLaren MCL39 F1 Car has arrived, paying tribute to a successful 2025 season. Set 42228 brings that championship-winning machine to life in a magnificent 1:8 scale, with 1,675 pieces that demand focus and reward patience. Builders aged 18 and up can preorder now for $229.99, with full availability starting March 1, 2026.
McLaren’s MCL39 went on to win both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ titles in 2025, giving Lando Norris his first championship. This LEGO model captures the winning experience by providing a dead-on recreation of the original car’s aggressive lines and vibrant, eye-catching papaya-orange livery. Once completed, the finished model measures 24 inches long, 5 inches tall, and occupies 9.5 inches of shelf space; it’s safe to say it will be the star of any exhibition.
- F1 CAR BUILDING KIT – Race to glory with this detailed LEGO Technic McLaren MCL39 F1 Car (42228) model kit for adults ages 18 years old and up
- AUTHENTIC FEATURES & FUNCTIONS – Explore the car's realistic details, including push-rod and pull-rod suspension, steering and differential as you...
- V6 ENGINE & DRS ACTIVATOR – Remove the engine cover to examine the F1 car model's V6 engine, then check out the 2-speed gearbox and DRS activator...
The functions really bring this model to life, with silky smooth steering thanks to a newly rebuilt gear system at the back that connects directly to the cockpit wheel for rapid response. Both the front and rear suspensions work well, with a pull-rod layout in the front and a push-rod setup in the back to make it feel like the real thing on the track. The V6 engine is visible once the rear cover is lifted, complete with pistons that actually move when you push the vehicle forward, adding the ultimate touch of authenticity.
Wait, there’s more, beginning with a 2-speed gearbox that allows you to switch things up by changing through gears that alter how those pistons cycle. The true standout feature is the direct link to the Drag Reduction System (DRS), as you simply open the engine cover, shift into high gear, and the rear wing flap will activate, just like the real thing.
As the build progresses through ten numbered bags, you’ll begin with the suspension parts and work your way up to the chassis, engine, front end, bodywork, and finally all of the little touches that bring it to life. Early stages center on assembling the core frame and drivetrain, after which you can begin layering on all of the aerodynamic components, such as the front wing with its incredibly detailed multi-panel design and the recognizable Mastercard branding via some nifty stickers. Sidepods emerge with careful shaping, though close inspection reveals a small underside gap and some clunky intersections in the black-and-orange panels. The airbox uses system pieces for refined contours, and the rear wing achieves smooth lines with a brick-built DRS mechanism at its center.
Proportions are fairly accurate from most perspectives, particularly when looking straight on, as the curved sidepod and layered wings all align fairly closely with the genuine car. The visible exhaust and lights in the rear provide a lot of depth to this model. The wheel sizes are the same across the Technic F1 series, which is a bit of a compromise. While this doesn’t quite match up with the real MCL39’s setup, the black-heavy livery does an excellent job of masking the little imperfections.
