LEGO Technic 42240 Aston Martin AMR25 F1 Car: A First Look at the Mechanics

LEGO Technic has just revealed its flagship set for the second half of 2026: the LEGO 42240 Aston Martin Aramco AMR25 F1 Car. This 1:8 scale build runs to 1,547 pieces and is set to land on shelves July 1, 2026. It has already become one of the most talked-about upcoming releases in the Technic community, and if you follow Formula 1 or collect Aston Martin gear, this is the set to watch this year.

Below we walk through what makes the AMR25 stand out mechanically, where it falls a little short, and how we're planning to help collectors give this 61 cm car the display it deserves.

LEGO 42240 Aston Martin AMR25: A 1:8 Scale Build

Size is the first thing you notice. Fully built, the AMR25 measures 61 cm (24 in) long, 26 cm (10 in) wide and 13 cm (5 in) high — a genuinely large centerpiece once it's off the instruction booklet and standing on its own wheels. Next to last year's McLaren MCL39, the aero package here is noticeably sharper. Technic panels recreate the AMR25's downwash sidepods and the layered front wing structure in real detail, and the barge boards and floor edges pick up a level of shaping that earlier Technic F1 sets didn't quite reach.

The British Racing Green paired with the Aramco livery and aerodynamic louvers gives the model real presence, even parked still on a shelf. It's the kind of paint scheme that photographs well from any angle, which matters once you start thinking about how to display it.

Design Deep Dive: A Gearbox Linked to the DRS

There's more going on under the shell than looks. The mechanical build inside is where this set earns its flagship status, and it's worth slowing down on the two features that stand out most:

• Two-speed gearbox tied to the DRS: On top of the V6 engine with moving pistons and working steering, the chassis houses a full drivetrain with a differential. Shift into the high gear and it physically opens the rear wing flap — a genuine DRS (Drag Reduction System) triggered directly by the gearbox itself, with no separate lever needed. It's one of the most satisfying mechanical links we've seen in a LEGO F1 set, and it's the kind of detail that rewards you for actually using the model rather than just looking at it.

• Push-rod suspension, front and rear: The set reproduces the push-rod suspension geometry used on real F1 cars. Press down on the chassis and you get authentic rebound — it feels engineered, not just assembled, and it holds up to repeated handling if you like to show the mechanics off to visitors.

One Fair Critique From Builders

LEGO can't hit 100% realism with standard parts, and early builders have already flagged one thing: like earlier 1:8 Technic F1 cars, the 42240's rear tires read a little narrow. Real F1 rear tires are wide for grip, and the stock LEGO wheels don't quite match that against a chassis this size, so the stance looks slightly leaner than the real AMR25. It's a minor point next to the mechanics and the exclusive AMR25 livery, and it doesn't take much away from what is still one of the standout builds of the year.

The Real Challenge: Where Do You Put a 61 cm Car?

Anyone who has finished a 1:8 flagship Technic car runs into the same problem: it takes up serious space.

Laid flat on a desk, a 61 cm car eats up your workspace and collects dust fast. Once dust works into the Technic gears, suspension joints and chassis gaps, cleaning it becomes a real chore — you end up avoiding the model instead of enjoying it. Tuck it into a cabinet corner instead, and you lose the whole point of that aggressive, low profile that took hours to build.

Built for Champions: A Wall Mount and Display Case for the 42240

We're developing two display solutions built specifically for the LEGO 42240 Aston Martin AMR25, launching alongside the set, so collectors won't have to choose between a generic case and no protection at all:

Option 1: 3D Wall-Mounted Display Board

Move the car to the wall and get your desk back.

• Space-saving by design: Hidden, high-strength metal hooks and custom Technic-compatible clasps hold the AMR25 securely against the wall. Your desk stays clear, and the model becomes a striking piece of wall art rather than a shelf item that's easy to walk past without noticing.

• A background built for the team: The board carries a UV-printed backdrop in Aston Martin's dark green, with pit-stop details and AMR25 blueprint elements worked into the design. The contrast frames the car's wide, aerodynamic shape well and gives the whole piece a finished, gallery look.

Option 2: Museum-Grade Acrylic Dust-Proof Case

Full protection, from every angle.

• Close to dust-proof: Built from 3mm high-transparency, UV-resistant acrylic panels with interlocking joints. No more dusting, and the stickers and green panels stay protected from long-term indoor light exposure, which matters given how much of this build relies on printed detail.

• A base that looks the part: The base plate mimics real racing tarmac or carbon fiber texture, and comes with a spec plaque detailing the chassis code and engine specs — a small touch that makes the whole setup feel like a real team display rather than a toy box.

Get Your Garage Ready

The LEGO 42240 Aston Martin Aramco AMR25 is the most exciting Technic release of summer 2026, whether you follow Fernando Alonso or just love serious Technic engineering. Between the DRS-linked gearbox, the push-rod suspension and the exclusive livery, this one is worth pre-ordering early rather than waiting to see if stock holds up.

Keep an eye on our page — we'll share first renders and early pre-order links for our 42240 wall board and display case soon. Don't let this one collect dust on your desk after all the work it takes to build it.