Max Verstappen has criticised the return of Formula 1’s Lego drivers’ parade at the British GP, insisting drivers should not look like “kids or clowns” before the race at Silverstone.
The concept returns this weekend after its first appearance at the Miami GP last year, where the parade produced chaotic but humorous scenes as drivers bumped into each other and sent Lego bricks flying across the circuit.
This time, all 22 drivers will have their own Lego minicar, with each vehicle built from 28,000 bricks and decorated in the colors of the driver’s 2026 team.
The minicars are limited to a top speed of 25km/h, but Verstappen is not convinced the idea fits the image of Formula 1. Instead, the Red Bull driver would rather keep the traditional parade lap, where drivers stand together on the back of a truck, wave to the fans and give short interviews before the Grand Prix.
Verstappen unhappy with Lego parade
“I prefer to play with Lego at home, you know, with the kids. Not on a go-kart here, to be honest,” Verstappen told Viaplay when asked about the Lego parade.
“I prefer to stand on a truck, just with everyone together. I think that’s more fun and I think it also looks more professional.”
The Lego parade is scheduled to begin at 1:30pm BST on Sunday, 90 minutes before lights out at Silverstone. But Verstappen believes the spectacle is not what F1 needs, even if fans enjoyed the first version in Miami.
“Because at the end of the day we are Formula 1 drivers, I think we should not look like kids and clowns trying to ram into each other,” Verstappen added. “I don’t think that is what Formula 1 needs, but it is what it is.”
The four-time world champion said he has no interest in repeating the chaos of Miami, where several drivers treated the parade more like a novelty race than a ceremonial lap.
“I just do my lap and wave at the fans because they deserve that, to see us,” Verstappen said. “But, of course, from my side I would have loved to see it a little bit different.”
Hamilton also cool on Silverstone stunt
Verstappen is not the only driver to have shown little enthusiasm for the Lego parade.
Lewis Hamilton also cast doubt on his involvement earlier in the weekend, although his reservations were understood to be linked to wider concerns over commercial appearances rather than the concept itself.
“It is the most dangerous part of the weekend,” Hamilton said on Thursday. “I let Charles drive last time and it was just hilarious watching everyone crashing into each other. So, I don’t know whether or not I will be in the Lego car this year.”
When pressed on why he might not take part, Hamilton replied: “There is not really much to say on that. That’s something I need to take offline.”
Ferrari have since confirmed that Hamilton will be involved in the Silverstone event, meaning one of the British GP’s biggest stars will still appear in front of the home crowd.
The seven-time world champion has won the British GP a record nine times and is preparing for his first Silverstone race as a Ferrari driver, giving the pre-race build-up even greater attention.
Norris and Bottas welcome something different
While Verstappen and Hamilton have been less positive, other drivers have welcomed the chance to do something different before the race.
Reigning world champion Lando Norris said he was looking forward to the event, especially after watching how entertaining the Miami version became.
“I’m pretty excited for it, actually!” Norris told the press, including Total-Motorsport.com. “If it’s like Miami, then I think whoever can make it back to the start line will be a winner already. I think it’s a cool thing to do. It’s different.
“Obviously you’re all together and you can have a little chitchat and see the fans when you’re on the truck, but I think it’s nice to do something different every now and then. So as long as it’s safe and we all behave, which we shall, then it will be a jolly good ride.”
Valtteri Bottas was also enthusiastic after missing the Miami parade last year, and the Cadillac driver has already picked out his strategy.
“I’m actually really excited because I missed it in Miami last year when I was watching it. It looked so much fun,” Bottas said. “Because everyone is capped to 25 kilometres per hour, saving distance is probably the key. I’m excited. Saving distance is my strategy, and using tow.”
That split sums up the wider tension around modern F1. The sport is pushing for more fan-facing entertainment and sponsor-led spectacles, while some drivers remain protective of how Formula 1 should present itself on race day.
At Silverstone, the Lego parade will go ahead regardless. Verstappen may not like the idea, but he still intends to complete the lap and acknowledge the fans.
He just does not want the drivers to look like they are playing games before one of the biggest races of the season.
- John Smith
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