In an exciting development for motorsport fans, the LEGO Group has announced a multi-year partnership with F1 Academy. This collaboration aims to inspire young fans, particularly girls, through creative play and authentic representation. The partnership will debut at the start of the 2026 F1 Academy season, featuring LEGO Racing with Esmee Kosterman as the lead driver.
Esmee Kosterman: Trailblazing in F1 Academy
Esmee Kosterman, a 20-year-old Dutch racer, is set to join the F1 Academy grid as LEGO Racing’s first driver. Kosterman has a remarkable history in motorsports, including being the first woman to triumph in the Ford Fiesta Sprint Cup series in 2023. That same year, she secured second place in the Junior Cup and finished third overall.
In 2024, Kosterman transitioned to single-seater racing with Indian F4 and made her F1 Academy debut as a Wild Card entry during Round 5 in Zandvoort. Her car will feature an exclusive LEGO Racing livery, creatively combining F1 Academy’s high-performance ethos with the playful spirit of LEGO.
Innovative LEGO Set Release
Alongside the partnership announcement, the LEGO Group revealed their inaugural product: the LEGO Speed Champions F1 Academy LEGO Race Car set, which offers a detailed representation of Kosterman’s vehicle. This 201-piece set includes significant elements like a unique color scheme and a minifigure designed in the LEGO Racing style.
Key Features of the LEGO Speed Champions Set
- 201 pieces for creative building.
- Intricate aerodynamic details.
- Unique colorway reflecting Esmee’s racing car.
- Includes a specially designed minifigure.
The set is available for pre-order now and will officially launch on March 1, 2026, in LEGO Stores worldwide and select retailers.
Empowering Young Girls in Motorsport
The partnership comes at a pivotal time when Formula 1 is engaging younger audiences. Recent studies indicate that women now represent 42% of Formula 1’s fan base. Additionally, 87% of surveyed girls expressed a desire to see more opportunities for their gender in motorsports.
Building on this, Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy, highlighted the importance of this collaboration. She emphasized that this initiative encourages young girls to envision themselves in various roles within motorsport, from drivers to engineers.
Comments from Key Stakeholders
- Susie Wolff: “This collaboration is about building belief in what’s possible for young girls in motorsport.”
- Julia Goldin: “F1 Academy is leveling the playing field, providing a clear pathway for young female athletes.”
- Esmee Kosterman: “I’m thrilled to be the first driver for LEGO Racing and hope to inspire future generations.”
This partnership not only champions female talent on and off the track but also aims to transform the perception of motorsport. It seeks to convey that racing is a space for everyone, regardless of gender. Through creative collaboration, the LEGO Group and F1 Academy are setting the stage for young girls to realize their potential and passion for racing.
