- SpeedBites
- Posts
- F1 Demo Race Uses Full-Size LEGO Cars
F1 Demo Race Uses Full-Size LEGO Cars
Andrew Evans
May 05, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
EVs keep the lights on in Spanish blackout
Verstappen “not racing very smart” in Miami clash
Mercedes reveals F1 movie tie-in car
Classic FIAT Panda in Gran Turismo 7 leak
Cadillac previews its 2026 F1 team
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
A limited edition Mercedes-AMG GT 63 has been revealed to highlight the company’s role in supporting the upcoming Formula 1 film starring Brad Pitt. Named after the fictional Apex Grand Prix team at the movie’s core, the 52-unit limited run vehicle boasts unique design elements and performance enhancements that reflect its cinematic inspiration, though its pricing remains undisclosed ahead of the film's release.
Electric vehicles equipped with vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology can provide a backup power source during outages, as demonstrated by some owners in Spain and Portugal who used their EVs to maintain electricity in their homes during recent blackouts. According to a think tank, a typical EV battery could sustain household power for nearly six days with just over half of its capacity, highlighting the potential of electric cars to enhance energy resilience for homeowners.
Polestar is recalling 27,816 units of its Polestar 2 electric vehicle due to issues with the reversing camera, which some users reported as being non-functional. This recall, prompted by a synchronization issue between the camera and the infotainment system, highlights ongoing concerns about camera reliability in vehicles, particularly as Polestar's design philosophy moves away from traditional rear windows.
Great Wall Motor is venturing into the high-performance segment with plans for a supercar, despite its reputation primarily rooted in producing pickup trucks and SUVs. The company is currently navigating challenges in development while aiming to create a competitive vehicle that could rival established brands like Ferrari, although it may struggle to achieve the same level of prestige in international markets.
BMW's design chief, Adrian van Hooydonk, indicated that the upcoming M3 and its electric variant will feature a similar aesthetic, making it challenging to distinguish between the two from a distance. Mike Reichelt, overseeing the Neue Klasse program, confirmed that both models will share design elements and technology, with the electric version possibly debuting in 2027, followed by the gasoline variant in 2028.
Hennessey has expanded its offerings beyond hypercars by introducing performance-enhanced versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, known as the HP600 models, which feature significant power upgrades and aesthetic modifications. This marks a notable shift as these modified SUVs can now be ordered directly through Chevrolet dealerships, complete with GM's warranty and financing options, enhancing their appeal to consumers.
A recent recall has been announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for certain 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz models, highlighting that the third-row seating does not meet federal safety standards due to an excess width. The seats in question could accommodate three passengers but there are only two seat belts fitted, and this recall affects over 5,600 vehicles in the US.
Potential buyers of BMW electric vehicles may want to act quickly, as a recent report indicates that the company plans to halt EV production for several weeks. While prices for most models will remain stable until June, the pause in manufacturing is likely influenced by ongoing tariffs affecting the automotive industry.
After years of challenges for car enthusiasts in Colorado regarding the registration of legally imported vehicles, a new bill has been passed that could provide significant legal protections for Japanese Kei cars, pending the governor's approval. This legislation marks a potential turning point in the ongoing struggle against restrictive vehicle bans, signaling a shift in state-level attitudes toward imported automobiles.
MOTORSPORT
Lando Norris criticized Max Verstappen's racing strategy following their fierce encounters during the Miami Grand Prix. Norris claimed that Verstappen's aggressive battles with him and Oscar Piastri ultimately hindered the performance of both vehicles, allowing George Russell to overtake Verstappen for a podium position as well as limiting Norris’s opportunity to win the race to enhance Piastri’s championship lead.
Cadillac kicked off its entry into Formula 1 for 2026 with a vibrant event during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, blending motorsport with local culture and attracting a diverse crowd. While the evening featured notable personalities and a glimpse into Cadillac's future branding, it ultimately focused more on ambiance than significant announcements.
Oscar Piastri secured his third straight victory by overtaking Max Verstappen on lap 14, showcasing his potential for the championship, while Lando Norris managed to finish second after recovering from a challenging start. The race featured multiple incidents, including a virtual safety car deployment, and concluded with Piastri extending his lead in the drivers' standings over Norris and Verstappen.
Toto Wolff expressed his confidence in McLaren's compliance with regulations following a weekend at the Miami Grand Prix marked by renewed accusations of illegal tire and brake cooling methods from Red Bull. He emphasized the integrity of McLaren's team, asserting that their advancements in car development and tire management are legitimate and within the rules.
The FIA clarified its decision to dismiss Red Bull's protest regarding George Russell's conduct during the Miami Grand Prix, stating that he adequately reduced his speed in accordance with the regulations. While Russell's absolute speed slightly increased in the yellow-flag zone, the stewards confirmed that he nonetheless demonstrated compliance by significantly lifting the throttle, which aligned with the accepted practices within the sport.
Lewis Hamilton has clarified his remarks made during the Miami Grand Prix, where he suggested to his Ferrari team that a driver swap with Charles Leclerc could be beneficial, describing his comments as sarcastic rather than serious. Although he expressed frustration at being held up behind Leclerc, Hamilton remained positive about his performance and emphasized the need for quicker decision-making from the team to capitalize on his pace.
Alpine is reconsidering Jack Doohan's role within the team, with the possibility of a driver change ahead of the Imola race. Following a series of early exits and penalties, Doohan's performance has raised concerns, especially after he was eliminated on the first lap in Miami, despite having outqualified his teammate for the first time.
Severe weather conditions in Miami led to the cancellation of the F1 Academy support race scheduled for the Miami Grand Prix. Although the event briefly commenced with reconnaissance laps, persistent heavy rain and incidents on track resulted in its abrupt termination, leaving the second race of the weekend invalidated.
Max Verstappen experienced a contrasting Saturday in Miami, securing pole position for the main race but facing setbacks during the sprint due to a mishap during a pit stop by Red Bull which saw his car released into the path of Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes on its way into the pits. The four-time champion expressed his frustration over the incident, emphasizing the need for flawless execution as the team grapples with performance issues compared to competitors like McLaren.
FUN STUFF
The Miami Formula One Grand Prix saw an unusual driver parade in which the 20 participants drove around the circuit in full-sized LEGO vehicles made to look like the ten team cars. This parade lap, which saw ten of the drivers at the wheel and their team-mates in a second seat, was marked by some corner-cutting and quite a bit of contact, with the drivers commenting on how entertaining it was and the need to sweep up the LEGO debris left by the 400,000-brick vehicles.
A recent video from Gran Turismo's social media highlighted legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro's visit to Polyphony Digital, where he explored the studio, revealing a new car in development for the game. The video showed a fleeting glimpse of a nearly finished model of the classic FIAT Panda, designed by Giorgetto’s ItalDesign in 1980, suggesting its potential inclusion in the game, possibly arriving this summer.
During the Miami Grand Prix, a luxury Lamborghini Tecnomar 63 yacht began to sink while carrying 32 people, far exceeding its maximum capacity of 12. Fortunately, all individuals were safely rescued by the US Coast Guard, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.
Paul Oz initially faced skepticism from his teachers regarding his artistic aspirations, leading him to pursue engineering while continuing to paint in his spare time. After gaining recognition for his dynamic artworks of Formula 1, he transitioned into sculpture, using advanced techniques to create detailed bronze and magnesium pieces, including a notable sculpture of Ayrton Senna made from recycled wheels from McLaren Formula 1 cars.
A video from Texas captures a Cadillac driver with metal rebar protruding from the rear window, leading to collisions with the side mirrors of both a Ford F-Series and a Chevrolet van. The incident highlights the potential danger posed by improper vehicle loading, with the rebar being difficult to see due to its small cross section and the glare of the setting sun.
The Brawn BGP001, which played a pivotal role in Jenson Button's 2009 Formula 1 World Championship victory, fetched $3.8 million at a Bonham's auction in Miami. This historic chassis, initially a gift to Button after his championship win, was the first Brawn car ever constructed and, despite lacking gearbox internals, remains a significant piece of racing history.
A replica of the iconic Batmobile, constructed on a 1979 Lincoln Continental chassis, is currently available for bidding on Bring a Trailer. While it features non-functional gadgets, the vehicle is operational and boasts a 400 cubic-inch V8 engine, allowing enthusiasts to relive the superhero experience on the streets.
The Toyota Supra, typically associated with track performance rather than rallying, has demonstrated its capabilities on gravel stages, thanks to modifications that enhance its handling and suspension. While it achieved impressive times in winter conditions, further testing in better weather is needed to fully assess its potential against other vehicles in summer scenarios.
That's all for today! We would love to hear your feedback, so just reply to this message to let us know what you thought about this issue. See you next time!