Max Verstappen disapproves of parade with Lego karts at Silverstone: Drivers shouldn’t look like children
For the second year in a row, the traditional Formula 1 drivers’ parade will feature an unusual attraction: the competitors will be in mini Lego cars. After debuting in Miami last season, the initiative returns this weekend for the Silverstone Grand Prix.
This time, each Formula 1 driver will have their own personalized vehicle at their disposal, a kart replica built with approximately 28,000 Lego pieces.
The models have a maximum speed limitation of 25 km/h. Despite the low speed, the previous edition in Miami recorded several collisions between cars, resulting in parts scattering across the Florida circuit.
Although the first parade featuring Lego karts was well received by fans and some drivers, three-time world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull openly expressed his displeasure with the format for the event at Silverstone.
The Dutch pilot criticized the presentation, stating that participants should not resemble “children or clowns”. Verstappen defends a return to the traditional parade model, where drivers are transported on top of a truck, arguing that this gives greater professionalism to the category, while also providing closer interaction with fans. The initiative to create playful parades is part of Formula 1’s strategy to attract new audiences, especially younger ones, seeking to expand the fan base beyond traditional motorsport enthusiasts.
“I prefer to play with Lego at home, with the children. I don’t want to be in a kart here, to be honest,” said Verstappen in an interview when asked about the activity.
He further reinforced his preference: “I think it’s more appropriate to be in a truck, all together. For me, it’s more fun and, above all, more professional.”
In the Red Bull driver’s view, participation in Lego vehicles does not align with the image that a Formula 1 professional should project.
“At the end of the day, we are F1 drivers. I think we don’t need to look like children and clowns. I don’t see that that’s what Formula 1 needs, but that’s what we have,” concluded the team’s star.
