Full Breakdown
LEGO Racing Joins F1 Academy in 2026 with Esmee Kosterman
11/21/2025, 11:06:26 PM
Introduction of LEGO Racing in F1 Academy
In a significant development for motorsport representation, the LEGO Group has announced a multi-year partnership with F1 Academy, set to debut in the 2026 season. This collaboration will see a LEGO-branded car driven by 20-year-old Dutch racer Esmee Kosterman, who has made a name for herself in various junior racing categories, including being the first woman to win in the Ford Fiesta Sprint Cup series in 2023. The partnership was unveiled during the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, showcasing a vibrant car livery featuring yellow, pink, blue, and black colors that reflect both the LEGO brand and F1 Academy.
Goals of the Partnership
The primary aim of this collaboration is to inspire young fans, particularly girls, to engage with motorsport. Recent research by the LEGO Group indicates that 87% of girls surveyed desire more opportunities in motorsport, with 75% finding racing exciting. Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy, emphasized that this partnership is not merely about creating a LEGO car but about fostering belief in what is possible for young girls in motorsport. She stated, “We hope every young girl who picks up these bricks sees more than just a model; she sees herself, her potential, and her place in the world of motorsport.”
Julia Goldin, Chief Product & Marketing Officer of the LEGO Group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of representation in racing toys and the potential for young female athletes to envision themselves in top-tier motorsport roles.
Esmee Kosterman's Role
Esmee Kosterman will serve as the premiere driver for LEGO Racing, marking her first full season in F1 Academy after a successful debut as a Wild Card entry at her home race in Zandvoort. Kosterman expressed her excitement about the opportunity, stating, “To be the first driver for LEGO Racing is such an exciting opportunity... I hope this inspires future generations of female drivers.”
The LEGO Speed Champions Set
Accompanying the on-track debut will be the release of the LEGO Speed Champions F1 Academy Race Car set, which features a 201-piece model of Kosterman's car, complete with intricate aerodynamic details and a minifigure in LEGO Racing colors. The set will be available for pre-order and officially released on March 1, 2026. This initiative aims to bring the excitement of F1 Academy into homes, allowing fans to engage with the sport creatively.
Broader Implications
The partnership comes at a time when F1 is actively working to attract a younger and more diverse audience, with 42% of its fanbase now consisting of women. The introduction of LEGO Racing is seen as a step towards challenging outdated perceptions of gender roles in motorsport and providing a platform for aspiring female drivers.
Conclusion
As LEGO Racing prepares to join the F1 Academy grid in 2026, the collaboration represents a significant commitment to promoting female representation in motorsport. With Esmee Kosterman at the helm and the launch of a dedicated LEGO set, this partnership aims to inspire the next generation of female racers and challenge traditional norms within the sport. The initiative not only enhances the visibility of women in motorsport but also reinforces the importance of representation in inspiring young fans.