With the RB20, Max Verstappen secured his fourth Formula 1 Driver’s Championship. Over the 24-race season, the RB20 delivered 18 podiums, 8 pole positions, 4 fastest laps, and 9 victories. By year’s end, however, it finished only third in the Constructors’ Championship, with McLaren taking the title and Ferrari slotting into second. In other words, Verstappen clinched his crown in what was statistically the third-fastest car. Impressive, isn’t it?
Even so, the RB20 remains a remarkable piece of engineering from the team in Milton Keynes. Fans tend to remember the driver who lifts the trophy, while only a few recall who topped the Constructors’ standings. Usually, the quickest car carries both championships — but not always. Just think back to the dramatic 2021 finale in Abu Dhabi, where Verstappen captured his first title on the last lap against Lewis Hamilton, while Mercedes walked away with the Constructors’ Championship that year.
I already have some experience with LEGO — remember the SF24 Ferrari? Well, as luck would have it, this little LEGO adventure continues.
Disclaimer: if you think a 34-year-old man can’t enjoy LEGO sets designed for adults, feel free to look away now.
The newest addition to the OLAAF Racing Team is the RB20 mentioned above. Not the large display model like my Ferrari, but the 251-piece Speed Champions version. It’s meant for builders over 18 and even comes with a tiny driver/mechanic in the box.
There are no moving parts apart from the wheels. One detail I found interesting: this miniature Formula 1 car has wider rear tyres and narrower fronts — just as it should. The SF24 set, on the other hand, had tyres that were all the same width, even though the real car runs slightly narrower fronts. A small thing, but worth pointing out.
I started and finished this build just before the Brazil Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen climbed to third after starting from the pit lane. Will he somehow pull off a fifth Driver’s title this year? Hope dies last, as I like to say.
Regardless, the cars designed and built by Oracle Red Bull Racing remain some of the most striking on the grid — at least on screen. Whether they look just as good in real life? We’ll find out next year at Spa-Francorchamps.
Stay passionate, and keep enjoying LEGO. You’re never too old to want to build something.
Kindly,
Olaaf
