Review of the LEGO Speed Champions BWT Alpine F1® Team A524 Race Car

Racing onto the scene in one of the nicest liveries on the grid, in my opinion. The LEGO Speed Champions BWT Alpine F1® Team A524 Race Car brings the bold design and engineering brilliance of Alpine’s 2024 Formula 1® car into the world of LEGO. The BWT Alpine Race Car is known for its vibrant blue-and-pink livery and competitive spirit. The Model name for the car is A524 and is a celebration of French engineering and motorsport excellence. LEGO has really gone to great lengths for the set because it captures the car’s essence with detailed features that will be discussed later. The set also includes a LEGO minifigure that represents the Alpine F1 team, making it perfect for fans of the team and Formula 1 enthusiasts alike.

Here’s an in-depth review of the set, the real A524 race car, the drivers who race it, and the included minifigure.

The 2024 BWT Alpine F1® Team A524 Race Car

The A524 is Alpine’s entry for the 2024 Formula 1 season. This car really builds on top of its predecessor’s strengths as well as incorporating upgrades to remain competitive in the midfield battle.

Fun Facts About the Alpine A524:

1. Aerodynamic Refinements: Alpine focused on improving airflow efficiency, with updates to the car’s front wing and underfloor aerodynamics. These upgrades really seemed to add stability to the car and really give the drivers the confidence they need to make overtakes in tight situations.
2. Hybrid Power Unit: Alpine is one of the few, if not the only team on the grid, powered by Renault’s hybrid engine, the A524 combines speed with reliability to tackle diverse circuits. Renault has always been a hot or miss in F1 and it seems like the 2024 engine was okay but not out of this world.
3. Iconic Livery: Alpine has one of my favorite liveries on the entire circuit. The car’s blue-and-pink color scheme, sponsored by BWT, is one of the most recognizable designs on the grid. I also love the black background, it really makes the colors pop and looks especially good in night races.
4. French Pride: Alpine, headquartered in France, represents Renault Group’s legacy and commitment to motorsport innovation. Alpine carries on the French representation by having two french drivers on the team.

The Drivers: Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly

Esteban Ocon: The Consistent Performer

1. French Pride: Esteban Ocon is a hometown hero, representing Alpine as one of the few French drivers in Formula 1.
2. First Win: Ocon secured his first F1 victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, showcasing his skill and determination.
3. Reliability: Known for his consistency, Ocon plays a crucial role in helping Alpine secure valuable points in the Constructors’ Championship.

Pierre Gasly: The Rising Star

1. Grand Prix Winner: Gasly claimed his first victory at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix, becoming a standout talent on the grid.
2. Versatile Racer: Gasly’s adaptability across different tracks makes him a key asset to Alpine’s 2024 campaign.
3. Dynamic Duo: Gasly and Ocon form an all-French driver lineup, blending experience and youthful energy.

Together, Ocon and Gasly aim to propel Alpine up the grid and secure podium finishes in 2024.

Build Experience

The LEGO BWT Alpine A524 provides an enjoyable build that highlights the car’s aerodynamic design and striking livery. The body of this Speed Champion Set is unique to the set. This allows the builder to really get a sense of different building techniques that LEGO uses to accomplish certain shapes. The build is fairly straightforward as is the case with all Speed Champion Sets. The Build will take the average builder around 40 minutes to build and is not as complex as a Technic Set.

Highlights of the Build:

1. Aerodynamic Features: The set includes realistic details like the A524’s front wing, side pods, and rear wing, showcasing its advanced engineering.
2. Eye-Catching Livery: The vibrant blue-and-pink design, complete with BWT sponsorship, makes the car visually stunning.
3. Accessible Build: The model is easy to assemble, making it a great choice for both younger fans and seasoned builders.

The Minifigure

The included minifigure represents a BWT Alpine F1 driver, dressed in a race suit that reflects the team’s signature colors and branding.

Minifigure Features:

• Detailed Race Suit: The suit includes intricate printing of the Alpine logo. The race suit is very basic which I’m not a fan of, but makes sense for the price of the sets. I would have really liked some more sponsors on the suit.
• Helmet and Visor: The minifigure comes with a sleek blue helmet, completing the team look.
• Driver Representation: While the minifigure doesn’t explicitly represent Ocon or Gasly, it captures the spirit of the Alpine team.

Playability and Display Value

Playability:

• Interactive Racing: The A524 rolls smoothly, perfect for recreating high-speed races and overtakes.
• Driver Interaction: The minifigure fits perfectly into the cockpit, enhancing the play experience.

Display Value:

• Iconic Design: The bold blue-and-pink livery makes the A524 a standout display piece for any LEGO or F1 collection.
• Compact Size: Its scaled-down design ensures it fits easily on shelves or desks.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Accurate Design: Faithfully replicates the A524’s aerodynamic features and livery.
• Interactive Features: Includes a driver minifigure and rolling wheels for dynamic play.
• Collector Appeal: Perfect for fans of Alpine, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, and Formula 1.
• Vibrant Livery: The striking color scheme adds visual appeal to the model.

Cons:

• Niche Appeal: Primarily targets F1 or Alpine fans.
• Limited Complexity: Advanced builders may find the build too simple.

Final Verdict

The LEGO Speed Champions BWT Alpine F1® Team A524 Race Car is a fantastic tribute to Alpine’s 2024 Formula 1 challenger. With its accurate design, vibrant livery, and interactive features, this set is a must-have for fans of Formula 1, the Alpine team, or LEGO Speed Champions. Whether you’re racing it across your living room or proudly displaying it, the A524 delivers a rewarding LEGO experience.

Ready to build Alpine’s latest masterpiece? Add the A524 to your LEGO collection today and relive the excitement of the 2024 F1 season!