If you’ve recently browsed the LEGO official website while checking out the McLaren F1 Team MCL38 Race Car (77251) from the Speed Champions lineup, you may have noticed something… off.
Instead of showing images for the already-released Speed Champions model, LEGO briefly displayed product images of an unannounced Technic set — LEGO Technic 42228 McLaren F1 Team MCL38.
In other words, LEGO appears to have accidentally revealed a brand-new Technic Formula 1 set ahead of its official announcement, without any prior teaser or press release.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time LEGO has made this kind of mistake.
Last year, LEGO 11370 Stranger Things: The Creel House was briefly listed under the wrong product category — appearing on a LEGO Creator 3-in-1 product page before its official reveal.
This time, history repeats itself, with two versions of the same car switching places:
The Speed Champions version (77251)
The Technic version (42228)
For keen-eyed fans, these accidental leaks often become the first reliable source of information about upcoming sets.
LEGO Technic 42228 McLaren F1 Team MCL38 – What We Know So Far
Based on the leaked listing and currently available details, LEGO Technic 42228 appears to follow the established direction of LEGO’s large-scale Technic Formula 1 lineup.
📦 Set Details (Rumored / Leaked)
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Set number: 42228
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Set name: McLaren F1 Team MCL38
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Theme: LEGO Technic
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Piece count: 1,675 pieces
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Age rating: 18+
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Estimated price: €229.99
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Expected release date: March 1, 2026
The model is based on McLaren’s real-world 2025 Formula 1 car, aligning it with LEGO’s recent strategy of releasing highly detailed, adult-focused Technic F1 replicas.
Possible Official Reveal Timing
While LEGO has not announced an official reveal date, one moment stands out.
McLaren is scheduled to unveil its 2026 Formula 1 car on February 9, which would be a perfectly timed marketing opportunity for LEGO to formally introduce this Technic set.
LEGO has historically coordinated Technic F1 reveals around real-world motorsport events, so a February announcement remains a strong possibility.
How Does It Compare to the Speed Champions Version?
From the leaked images, the Technic 42228 McLaren F1 Team MCL38 shares a very similar overall silhouette with its Speed Champions counterpart 77251, which was released as part of the first wave of 2025 F1 Speed Champions sets.
However, as expected, the Technic version emphasizes:
Larger scale
Functional Technic elements
Display-focused proportions
Adult collector appeal
Expanding the LEGO Technic F1 Lineup
If confirmed, 42228 would become the fourth LEGO Technic Formula 1 car in the current generation, joining:
42171 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance (2024)
42206 Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 (2025)
42207 Ferrari SF-24 (2025)
42141 McLaren
These sets typically feature:
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1,300–1,600+ pieces
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Premium pricing between €219.99–€229.99
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Strong emphasis on display and realism
With 1,675 pieces, the McLaren MCL38 fits squarely within LEGO’s established Technic F1 strategy.
Final Thoughts
For long-time fans of LEGO Technic and Formula 1, McLaren’s inclusion helps round out the lineup of top-tier teams.
As for the early reveal itself, it’s more of a minor hiccup than a major surprise. Accidental leaks like this have become part of LEGO’s modern release cycle — and they often generate just as much excitement as official announcements.
Once LEGO formally unveils the set, the real discussion will begin:
its mechanical functions, building experience, and how it compares to previous Technic F1 cars.
What do you think?
Does the Technic McLaren MCL38 feel too similar to the Speed Champions version, or is it a worthy addition to the Technic F1 collection?
Drop your thoughts in the comments! 🏎️