The Miami Grand Prix witnessed an unexpected twist when George Russell playfully took responsibility for leaving fellow driver Lando Norris ‘injured’ during a quirky pre-race event involving fully functional LEGO cars.
The Miami Grand Prix was all set to thrill fans, but before the main event, the F1 drivers entertained the crowd with a unique spectacle. They drove full-size LEGO cars, meticulously assembled from 400,000 bricks with the help of 26 LEGO specialists over 22,000 hours. These driveable LEGO replicas, equipped with authentic sponsor logos and Pirelli tires, were not just for show—they could reach speeds up to 20 km/h.
Despite their low speeds, the LEGO cars didn’t shy away from the competitive spirit that F1 is known for. In a light-hearted moment, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Mercedes’ George Russell had a collision in their LEGO cars around the 5.4 km Miami International Autodrome. This unexpected “crash” led to laughs rather than serious accidents, with Russell jokingly stating that Norris was “upset” and “injured” because of their playful tangle.
In true competitive fashion, once the fun with LEGO cars concluded, the drivers shifted gears and focused on the actual Grand Prix. McLaren shone brightly with Oscar Piastri taking first place and Norris securing second, marking a fantastic one-two finish for the team. Russell, not too far behind, proudly took the third spot on the podium, enjoying his successful leapfrog over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, thanks to a well-timed Virtual Safety Car period.
Russell’s light-hearted comment about his LEGO “incident” with Norris came after the main race. He chuckled over the morning’s LEGO race, admitting that he might have left Norris with a slight “injury” from their crash. Norris, however, appeared to take the joke in stride, focusing instead on his podium finish alongside his teammate Piastri.
The day ended with smiles and camaraderie as the drivers celebrated their performances. Russell, reflecting on the race, shared his delight in managing to keep Verstappen at bay and acknowledged the performance of the McLaren team. “To be honest, really happy to come away with P3, because I’ve been struggling this weekend personally,” he admitted. Despite his challenges, Russell’s strategic play and timing were impeccable, showcasing his prowess on the track.
The Miami GP not only provided thrilling racing action but also offered fun and memorable moments, like the LEGO car race, underlining the camaraderie and playful competition among drivers. Russell and Norris’s light-hearted “crash” added an entertaining subplot to what was overall a remarkable day of racing.
