First Leaked Images of LEGO Technic 42228 McLaren MCL39 F1 Car | March 2026

While this week has been packed with March LEGO reveals, the LEGO Group have also accidentally shown us our first look at another March 2026 set ahead of its official presentation very soon. In particular, the first leaked images of 42228 McLaren MCL39 F1 Car have been found as the Danish toy manufacturers mixed up set images of 2025's 77251 McLaren F1 Team MCL38 Race Car with this year's LEGO Technic model.

Just like previous LEGO Technic Formula 1 sets, 42228 recreates the McLaren F1 team's car in a brick-built 1:8 scale, retailing for $229.99 / €229.99 / £199.99 and includes 1,675 pieces. Last year saw the release of both 42207 Ferrari SF-24 F1 Car and 42206 Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 F1 Car, but 42228 returns to the papaya coloured McLaren Formula 1 team ahead of another regulation cycle.

The 1st of March 2026 model focuses on last year's World Drivers and Constructors Championship-winning car: the MCL39. It cleverly captures the aerodynamic body of Formula 1 cars in brick-built LEGO form, including a sculpted nose, front and rear wings, sidepods and a detailed engine cover. Underneath the engine cover, builders will be able to find a Mercedes V6 engine complete with moving pistons and a two-speed gearbox.

The iconic papaya colour associated with McLaren features heavily on the car, along with plenty of black to complement the primary colour and the constructors' champions' many sponsors such as Google Chrome, Mastercard and OKX. The build is also complete with Pirelli-branded hard tyres, functional steering using a knob on top of the steering wheel in the detailed cockpit area and an adjustable flap on the rear wing for DRS.

42228 McLaren MCL39 F1 Car

Set Name - McLaren MCL39 F1 Car

Set Number - 42228

Age Range - 18+

Piece Count - 1,675

Price - $229.99 / €229.99 / £199.99

Release Date - 1st March 2026

42228 McLaren MCL39 F1 Car releases on the 1st of March 2026, but what do you think? Will you be purchasing 42228 in a months time? Do you own the previous LEGO Technic McLaren or any other Technic F1 sets? What other past or present Formula 1 teams would you like to see in brick-built LEGO form? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.