Review: 60442 F1 Driver with McLaren Race Car
Posted by CapnRex101,
2025 will clearly be the year of LEGO Formula 1, beginning with six City sets. These versions of the cars are significantly simpler than the Speed Champions models produced lately, but should serve a younger age group well, somewhat like the Racers sets from the mid-2000s.
In fact, 60442 F1 Driver with McLaren Race Car containing just 86 pieces brings it close to the likes of 8374 Williams F1 Team Racer, released in 2003. Clearly, its low piece count and simplicity will not appeal to everyone, but I think this McLaren could be quite charming.
Summary
60442 F1 Driver with McLaren Race Car, 86 pieces.
£10.99 / $12.99 / €12.99 | 12.8p/15.1c/15.1c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
While there are obviously better versions for display, this is a nice Formula 1 car
- Strong design for play
- Fairly realistic shaping
- Several printed pieces
- Rear wing is oversimplified
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigure
Like the cars, the minifigures in these City sets are simple, lacking the realistic sponsors often seen on those in Speed Champions. Even so, the driver's racing suit is fairly accurate to those worn in the 2024 season, featuring diagonal bands of orange and black, alongside the McLaren logo on the helmet and torso.
While it may have been nice to see the specialised Formula 1 helmet in these sets, I think the classic crash helmet suffices, showing the driver's face through the visor. This head is generic though, deliberately not representing any specific driver.
The Completed Model
Whereas many of the recent Formula 1 sets have focused on realism and authentic functions, this model is definitively a toy. Its proportions are recognisable as an open-wheeled racing car, but the livery and shaping are dramatically simplified, especially towards the back. Even so, the essential features are all included and the orange colour unmistakably signals a McLaren.
Comparing this model with its Speed Champions equivalent, 76919 2023 McLaren Formula 1 Car, they share little in common. Notably, the City car only measures 14cm in length, which is more in keeping with other City vehicles than the Speed Champions scale. Clearly, the earlier design is far more detailed and accurate, but the City version is sturdier for play.
The front wing is an excellent example. Brilliant though features like the end plates look on the Speed Champions car, they are quite fragile. This design is substantially stronger, but you can still remove the whole front wing and the nose as though replacing them at a pit stop. Also, the 2x4 curved slope forming the nose is printed, as are all decorated parts in this set.
The side pods are greatly simplified too. However, I again think the shape is realistic enough to be convincing and I love how 1x6 wheel arches are integrated, curving around the cockpit. The driver sits comfortably inside and I am glad the protective halo is included, although its position seems exceptionally dangerous, at neck height for the minifigure!
I saw some discussion about whether the halo would be a specialised curved bar or a flexible hose and I can confirm the latter, much like Speed Champions sets. A printed 1x2 rounded tile forms the steering wheel and this piece can be oriented however you prefer because the letters and numbers read correctly either way.
The bodywork behind the cockpit looks superb and I like the printed wheel caps, although the actual tyres are not very realistic for Formula 1. The rear wing looks strange too, more closely resembling the spoiler on a car than a proper rear wing. I really think side panels were needed to create a vaguely realistic shape.
Overall
For its intended audience, I think 60442 F1 Driver with McLaren Race Car is a successful set. While the design is something of a caricature, it recreates the important features of Formula 1 cars and those a child would likely recognise. Maybe the rear wing could be improved, but I still find the bodywork shape pretty effective on the whole.
However, I wish the price of £10.99, $12.99 or €12.99 was lower, nearer to the likes of 60448 Sports Car. Presumably the slightly higher price results from the licensing cost. Discounts are inevitable though and once the price has dropped a little, this is a good introduction to the City Formula 1 range and a satisfying set for play.
88 likes
51 comments on this article
I didn't know that Jang drives an F1 McLaren race car!
@BaconKing said:
"I didn't know that Jang drives an F1 McLaren race car!"
A man of many talents
Sigh. Even the impulse level sets are being priced less impulsive and more repulsive.
15.1c per piece?????
It looks a bid odd, all the proportions seem a bit weird and the halo is just plain wrong. But for a pure play set, not really a big deal. Maybe should have included optional stickers to pick your favorite driver.
That said, for a pure play set, how cool would it have been if this had been a pullback car? Would obviously have required some new pieces, as the pullback chassis used years ago in the Shell polybags is too small and the Technic pullback motor is way too big. But considering they're making a wholse series of these cars with not exactly the lowest price tag, I'd think it would have been worth it.
No steering wheel, no seat, but extremely overpriced. Which manager thought this is a good idea?
@IgelCampus said:
"No steering wheel, no seat, but extremely overpriced. Which manager thought this is a good idea?"
It does have a steering wheel and a seat. The steering wheel is a tile rather than a standard steering wheel and the seat is brick-built instead of being a literal chair element, but that is common in modern sets.
The set definitely has weaknesses, but those are not among them.
Is it possible to get a picture of this compared to one of the 6w Speed Champions F1 cars from 2015 or 2017?
I'm not into the car itself, but I really do like the printed wheel caps. It's a neat generic print that could be fun for mocs.
Sadly the price is keeping me at bay, so I'll wait for a discount.
A rather awkward set name.
These city F1 sets seem to get a lot of inspiration from the old Lego formula cars, such as the ones found in 6335, which is great imho.
There seems to be a lot of playability and collectability in the new City lineup.
Great look and price for the target audience but obviously not for those waiting for the Speed Champion!
I'm just here for the Tron Identity Discs on the wheels! Really looking forward to all the different colors we'll be getting from the City sets. Now to acquire them without getting the actual sets...
@fakespacesquid said:
"I'm just here for the Tron Identity Discs on the wheels! Really looking forward to all the different colors we'll be getting from the City sets. Now to acquire them without getting the actual sets..."
Greetings Program!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought of that! it's certainly a boon to builders of the Grid and it's digital inhabitants. Now we just need sets for the upcoming TRON: Ares film, and maybe a few for the older films too...
-End of Line-
@Milocubed said:
" @BaconKing said:
"I didn't know that Jang drives an F1 McLaren race car!"
A man of many talents "
Except saving his notsponsored YouTube career
The polybag micro version is superior in every way.
It's funny how it works: high price most likely due to licensing costs. The way I see it, it should be F1 and McLaren paying Lego to have their name here because Lego is doing the marketing to a whole new generation for them - usually you have to pay for marketing but with Lego it seems to be in reverse. (I know, people will be quick to point out that this is the cost of using someone else's IP)
I might get 1 or 2 of the SC cars but the only use I may have for these ones are the potential new parts and/or recolour.
I don’t know why I thought these would be $10, probably confusing them with other City stuff. Still, a fun line of sets. These will be popular.
It's funny how this model is actually closer to-scale with minifigs compared with the Speed Champions model. That almost makes them more appealing for display in a LEGO city compared with the SC line!
That said, I think this model is a *tad* oversimplified. I get that this is aimed at younger fans, but a little more detail would be welcome overall. "For kids" doesn't need to mean "dumbed-down," it just doesn't need to be as delicate and intricate as the SC models.
This looks way too simplistic, more like a 4+ set.
Good parts pack for a Tron Light Runner .....
@strangeworld said:
"This looks way too simplistic, more like a 4+ set."
Go look at 60464.
I don't love this. Real world car brands in sets aimed at younger children feels icky. And very at odds with the recent emphasis on clean sustainable travel in recent years.
@WemWem said:
"It's funny how this model is actually closer to-scale with minifigs compared with the Speed Champions model. That almost makes them more appealing for display in a LEGO city compared with the SC line!
That said, I think this model is a *tad* oversimplified. I get that this is aimed at younger fans, but a little more detail would be welcome overall. "For kids" doesn't need to mean "dumbed-down," it just doesn't need to be as delicate and intricate as the SC models."
Heck, they could have just ported over the 2015-2017 6w SC F1 cars to City and they would have fit right in given the elevated build quality seen in other City vehicles recently. The 6w SC F1 cars had an age rating of 7+, whereas this has an age rating of 6+.
@Murdoch17 said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
"I'm just here for the Tron Identity Discs on the wheels! Really looking forward to all the different colors we'll be getting from the City sets. Now to acquire them without getting the actual sets..."
Greetings Program!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought of that! it's certainly a boon to builders of the Grid and it's digital inhabitants. Now we just need sets for the upcoming TRON: Ares film, and maybe a few for the older films too...
-End of Line-"
I noticed the caps, but can't believe I didn't think of Identity Disks. I should be derezzed or something. Also, there's a new Tron Movie coming out?! My inner bit is going "Yesyesyesyesyes..."
@TheOtherMike said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
"I'm just here for the Tron Identity Discs on the wheels! Really looking forward to all the different colors we'll be getting from the City sets. Now to acquire them without getting the actual sets..."
Greetings Program!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought of that! it's certainly a boon to builders of the Grid and it's digital inhabitants. Now we just need sets for the upcoming TRON: Ares film, and maybe a few for the older films too...
-End of Line-"
I noticed the caps, but can't believe I didn't think of Identity Disks. I should be derezzed or something. Also, there's a new Tron Movie coming out?! My inner bit is going "Yesyesyesyesyes..."
"
It's coming to theatres October 10, 2025 according to Wikipedia, just so you know.
@Murdoch17 said:
" @TheOtherMike said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
"I'm just here for the Tron Identity Discs on the wheels! Really looking forward to all the different colors we'll be getting from the City sets. Now to acquire them without getting the actual sets..."
Greetings Program!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought of that! it's certainly a boon to builders of the Grid and it's digital inhabitants. Now we just need sets for the upcoming TRON: Ares film, and maybe a few for the older films too...
-End of Line-"
I noticed the caps, but can't believe I didn't think of Identity Disks. I should be derezzed or something. Also, there's a new Tron Movie coming out?! My inner bit is going "Yesyesyesyesyes..."
"
It's coming to theatres October 10, 2025 according to Wikipedia, just so you know."
I'm still sore they never brought out the sequel to Legacy. Hopefully this one will be good.
@iwybs said:
" @strangeworld said:
"This looks way too simplistic, more like a 4+ set."
Go look at 60464."
Now, that has the Classic Town look!
"While the design is something of a caricature..."
As is the price.
As a New Zealander it is great to see the stylised Kiwi logo. The scale will fit in well with my City building and vehicle MOC's.
There is a Mclaren F1 car in every scale now, Polybag, City, original speed champions scale, new speed champions scale, icons scale and Large Technic model.
Edit - Forgot Duplo scale is coming too.
@alLEGOry_HJB2810 said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @TheOtherMike said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
"I'm just here for the Tron Identity Discs on the wheels! Really looking forward to all the different colors we'll be getting from the City sets. Now to acquire them without getting the actual sets..."
Greetings Program!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought of that! it's certainly a boon to builders of the Grid and it's digital inhabitants. Now we just need sets for the upcoming TRON: Ares film, and maybe a few for the older films too...
-End of Line-"
I noticed the caps, but can't believe I didn't think of Identity Disks. I should be derezzed or something. Also, there's a new Tron Movie coming out?! My inner bit is going "Yesyesyesyesyes..."
"
It's coming to theatres October 10, 2025 according to Wikipedia, just so you know."
I'm still sore they never brought out the sequel to Legacy. Hopefully this one will be good."
The protagonist will be played by Jared "It's Morbin Time" Leto, the cult leader from Fight Club, so I imagine it'll crash harder than DCEU Joker driving this set.
This version looks great for a city set. I think the Speed Champion set looks the part, but feels definetly more like a collectible rather than palyable. I think I have the parts to build myself one of these. And I got some modification ideas, then it will look perfect.
@IgelCampus said:
"No steering wheel, no seat, but extremely overpriced. Which manager thought this is a good idea?"
One who could tell it had a steering wheel and seat?
@Sandinista said:
" @Milocubed said:
" @BaconKing said:
"I didn't know that Jang drives an F1 McLaren race car!"
A man of many talents "
Except saving his notsponsored YouTube career
"
I watch him all the time. Wish he still did Harry Potter sets.
@fakespacesquid said:
"I'm just here for the Tron Identity Discs on the wheels! Really looking forward to all the different colors we'll be getting from the City sets. Now to acquire them without getting the actual sets..."
Spot on, so we got Red, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Teal, and I'm sad I'm not seeing a green one for my custom fig.
@Ridgeheart said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @Sandinista said:
" @Milocubed said:
" @BaconKing said:
"I didn't know that Jang drives an F1 McLaren race car!"
A man of many talents "
Except saving his notsponsored YouTube career
"
I watch him all the time. Wish he still did Harry Potter sets."
The man is a treasure. Unlike these cars, which I would gladly all see explode in a fiery explosion. These stupid things cost millions, they only last seven races on average, their drivers are overpaid divas and their sponsors are the monsters who will happily sacrifice your children's futures just so you can watch cars go in circles like, really fast, man. Brrrr.
F1 is fabulously fornicating stupid, and I already hate all of 2025 and everyone in it. Happy New Year!"
Agreed.
Is it bad to root for crashes? Asking for a friend. I always find my thoughts trailing to this theme when some professional obligation (like inbibing) forces me to watch driving in circles.
@Ridgeheart said:
"The man is a treasure. Unlike these cars, which I would gladly all see explode in a fiery explosion. These stupid things cost millions, they only last seven races on average, their drivers are overpaid divas and their sponsors are the monsters who will happily sacrifice your children's futures just so you can watch cars go in circles like, really fast, man. Brrrr.
F1 is fabulously fornicating stupid, and I already hate all of 2025 and everyone in it. Happy New Year!"
You just perfectly summed up professional sports in general ;-)
"While the design is something of a caricature, it recreates the important features of Formula 1 cars and those a child would likely recognise."
i.e. ...
...it's LEGO!
Reminds me of 6546 and 6335 which I recently built.
@SpiderFan44 said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
"I'm just here for the Tron Identity Discs on the wheels! Really looking forward to all the different colors we'll be getting from the City sets. Now to acquire them without getting the actual sets..."
Spot on, so we got Red, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Teal, and I'm sad I'm not seeing a green one for my custom fig."
set 60474 has the part you seek.
@StyleCounselor said:
"Is it bad to root for crashes? Asking for a friend. I always find my thoughts trailing to this theme when some professional obligation (like inbibing) forces me to watch driving in circles. "
"People go to political debates for the same reason they go to car races. They don't care who wins; they just want to see the crashes." Although it's my understanding that Formula 1 crashes have a much higher tendency to result in fatalities then, say, NASCAR.
@greenhorn said:
"Reminds me of 6546 and 6335 which I recently built."
I once thought those cars were big!
@TheOtherMike said:
"Although it's my understanding that Formula 1 crashes have a much higher tendency to result in fatalities then, say, NASCAR."
Not neccessarily. In the last 30 years there have been 3 F1 fatalities during official events, and 4 in Nascar. Just this century it's 1 vs. 2. The last one in F1 was more recent though, in 2014 (Jules Bianchi), though that was more of a freak incident as a result of failing procedures than actual (un)safety of the car. We did get the halo (and much stricter procedures) as a direct result of that crash though.
But just look at the horror-crash of Grosjean at the 2020 Bahrein GP....it's still a baffling someone can survive a crash like that with just minor injuries (surely helped by the halo). In case you missed it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ7_En2xEm4
While I can't deny I do enjoy a good crash every once in a while, it shouldn't be too crazy. I witnessed the fatal crash of Ayrton Senna live on TV, and even now 30 years later, those are images (and everything that happened before that doomed weekend) are forever etched in my memory.
Some more memorable (not just F1) crashes, three of which I got to see live on TV, where everyone involved just walked away from unharmed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e21ZjwZGjiQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-ikjcJuLcM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x45fLUTHCuk
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sv8VVdmsWxg
@TheOtherMike said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
"Is it bad to root for crashes? Asking for a friend. I always find my thoughts trailing to this theme when some professional obligation (like inbibing) forces me to watch driving in circles. "
"People go to political debates for the same reason they go to car races. They don't care who wins; they just want to see the crashes." Although it's my understanding that Formula 1 crashes have a much higher tendency to result in fatalities then, say, NASCAR."
Nice metaphor.
Yes, we once projected a path of politics climbing the mountain toward enlightened and progressively better ideas and living.
Perhaps, it's time to realize that politics is more like dangerously driving selfishly and competitively around in circles along with the associated crashes and environmental and societal harms.
I'm sure these sets will be 50% off in no time.
Huge like for the model with vitiligo.
Oops, wrong article, I did not realize. I don't really understand the Mean Girls reference, though.
I just hope 2025 will be over quickly. I have no interest in many Lego cars but formula one is even worse! I do believe that this formula 1 marketing 2025 will be a huge fail for lego. The "good" years of f1 are gone long time ago. As for me the sport is dead. The speed champions are totaly lame and this is even worse.. terrible ppp ratio, one minifig only, no sidebuild.
Absolutely nothing of interest here.
For example 60184 is among others a 10€ set with 4 (!) minifigures, a glow in the dark spider and a fun sidebuild with a function. . If this f 1 car had a pull-back function i could understand the pricing better but as is.. brrr.
@Oli said:
"I just hope 2025 will be over quickly. I have no interest in many Lego cars but formula one is even worse! I do believe that this formula 1 marketing 2025 will be a huge fail for lego. The "good" years of f1 are gone long time ago. As for me the sport is dead. The speed champions are totaly lame and this is even worse.. terrible ppp ratio, one minifig only, no sidebuild.
Absolutely nothing of interest here.
For example 60184 is among others a 10€ set with 4 (!) minifigures, a glow in the dark spider and a fun sidebuild with a function. . If this f 1 car had a pull-back function i could understand the pricing better but as is.. brrr."
I think pretty much the same.
Not only there is a target audience problem but look at those wheels proportion: the Speed Champions F1 car is almost 50% bigger of the City theme one, and despite that it has the same wheels size.
They oversimplified the City version and did a disproportioned Speed Champions one, failing in fact both version. They should have done only one type following the right proportions of the old Racers theme and the first wave of 6 wide SC.
@Roberto said:
" @Oli said:
"I just hope 2025 will be over quickly. I have no interest in many Lego cars but formula one is even worse! I do believe that this formula 1 marketing 2025 will be a huge fail for lego. The "good" years of f1 are gone long time ago. As for me the sport is dead. The speed champions are totaly lame and this is even worse.. terrible ppp ratio, one minifig only, no sidebuild.
Absolutely nothing of interest here.
For example 60184 is among others a 10€ set with 4 (!) minifigures, a glow in the dark spider and a fun sidebuild with a function. . If this f 1 car had a pull-back function i could understand the pricing better but as is.. brrr."
I think pretty much the same.
Not only there is a target audience problem but look at those wheels proportion: the Speed Champions F1 car is almost 50% bigger of the City theme one, and despite that it has the same wheels size.
They oversimplified the City version and did a disproportioned Speed Champions one, failing in fact both version. They should have done only one type following the right proportions of the old Racers theme and the first wave of 6 wide SC."
This weird "F1 minifigure series" on top of it all, realy, realy lame! At least there is a minifigures series 27 comming as well so the minifig collectors wont be pissed..