LEGO Technic
It's not often that the LEGO Group will release a number of sets all based on the same source material, but this latest wave of sets has seen not one, not two, not even three, but four different F1 car models. Two of them are Technic sets recreating exactly the same vehicle: the large 1,642-piece beauty that is the stunning
While the larger model is obviously a lot more detailed than this set,
--- LEGO Technic 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull-Back set details ---
Theme: LEGO Technic Set name:
Price: £20.99 / €26.99 / $26.99 Pieces: 240 Minifigures: 0
LEGO:
--- Where to buy LEGO Technic 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull-Back ---
--- LEGO Technic 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull-Back build ---
You'd be forgiven for thinking that this model and build will feel like a downsized version of the larger 42171, but you'd be mistaken. Despite its diminutive size, the build is packed full of ingenious techniques and feels very much like its own set, rather than just a pocket-sized version of a larger model.
The set's USP is the pull-back function, and the pull-back motor is integrated into the build right from the start. The model is literally built around it. It blends into the finished model almost seamlessly, looking more like the F1 car's V6 engine, rather than the bulky pull-back motor it actually is.
The way some of the curves are achieved using staggered Technic pins that help build up layers and the clever use of angled technic bars is both inspired and very enjoyable to put together. The way the front nose cone attaches to the front of the framework is really, really smart.
There are lots of positives to take from this set and the build, while a little short (to be expected with a set this size), is nonetheless a very enjoyable experience. The final model looks excellent and is a very satisfying size – it fits into the palm of the hand really well and thanks to all the detailing is a really smart, scaled-down recreation of the real-life F1 car.
Once again the black colour scheme makes for a very foreboding yet ultra-cool-looking vehicle and the stickers do add a lot of necessary details, completing the final look. The challenge still remains of applying black stickers to black curved and angled pieces, which is not the most enjoyable part of the build, but the finished result does look accurate and very authentic.
The final look is very close to its larger counterpart but with a completely different build experience, which is actually quite a commendable feat to achieve. It would've been a lot easier to simply scale down the parts used and have this model constructed in the same way, but
It's not perfect: due to its pull-back function the model needs to sit a lot higher than either of the larger LEGO Icons or Technic F1 March 2024 sets, both of which are extremely low to the ground. As a result this smaller model doesn't quite capture the look of an F1 car 100% perfectly. However, because this is the only one to include a play feature and is subsequently the fastest of the four new F1 models, this small negative can probably be overlooked.
--- LEGO Technic 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull-Back price ---
--- LEGO Technic 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull-Back pictures ---
--- LEGO Technic 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull-Back pros and cons ---
The set may not satisfy the itch of seasoned Technic builders, who will want more time invested into their builds, but for the casual fan or the younger fan this model offers a lot. The pull-back function is fun to mess around with and offers another dimension to the set that some of the other F1 cars released this month don’t.
Overall, while this set isn’t going to finish top of the podium when looking at all of the four newly-released LEGO Formula 1 sets, it still puts in a respectable performance and might even earn itself a place on the podium.
| A really fun play feature | The stickers become laborious after a while |
| Great colour scheme | Sits relatively high from the ground |
| A fun and satisfying build experience |
This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.
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--- Alternatives to LEGO Technic 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull-Back ---
There are easy alternatives to
Other Technic models priced around the £20 mark include 42166 NEOM McLaren Extreme E Race Car, or for a mid-scale build at a slightly higher price point there's the newly-released
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