For older fans of F1® who have not really kept up with the sport, KICK Sauber is the new rebrand for the Alfa Romeo F1® team. LEGO® has a new line of F1® cars that bring the sport right into the palms of fans. The LEGO Speed Champions KICK Sauber F1® Team C44 Race Car offers fans a chance to build and celebrate the “newest” Formula 1® team in the 2024 season. Known for its sharp aerodynamics and bright green livery, the Sauber C44 is the proving ground for this new team. The new team is building off of Alfa Romeo’s innovative spirit and competitive nature. This LEGO® set captures the car’s essence with incredible detail, combining playability, collectibility, and a dynamic minifigure that represents the KICK Sauber team.
Here’s everything you need to know about the LEGO C44, the real car it’s based on, the drivers who race it, and the included minifigure.
The 2024 KICK Sauber F1® Team C44 Race Car
The Sauber C44 is the team’s 2024 Formula 1® entry. The team fell into controversy almost immediately because the main sponsors on the car are gambling websites and many fans were left with a bad taste in their mouth. Kick Sauber have a point to prove and this is the car they believe can show the world they belong. With a very bright green livery, they made a point to show the world they are not afraid to stand out. The car is designed to compete at the mid to front field with a focus on reliability and aerodynamic efficiency. What this car does is showcase Sauber’s commitment to staying competitive in the midfield battle.
Fun Facts About the Sauber C44:
- Optimized Aerodynamics: The C44 features updated front and rear wings, as well as an improved floor design to enhance downforce and reduce drag.
- Hybrid Power Unit: Powered by a Ferrari hybrid engine, the C44 delivers strong performance across a variety of circuits.
- Iconic Livery: The bold red-and-white design pays homage to Sauber’s rich motorsport history while incorporating modern branding.
- Data-Driven Racing: Sauber is renowned for its use of cutting-edge data analytics to optimize race strategies.
The Drivers
The Sauber C44 is driven by two talented individuals who bring a mix of experience and youthful energy to the team. With Valtteri Bottas as the number 1 driver and Zhou Guanyu as the number 2 driver, this line up is looking good.
Valtteri Bottas: The Team Veteran
- Experienced Racer: Bottas is a very experienced driver, having raced for Mercedes and won 10 Grand Prixes. He has a technical understanding and racecraft, make them an essential asset to the team. He also knows what it takes to run and perform for arguably one of the most successful teams in F1® History.
- Consistency and Reliability: Bottas is also known for steady performances all season long. He is key in providing valuable feedback to enhance car development as well as the team’s development through the season.
Zhou Guanyu: The Rising Talent
- Young Star: As an emerging talent, Guanyu is a driver that showcases raw speed and adaptability. He has been part of the Ferrari driver development program for many years and has proven that he belongs in F1. He has a very successful junior career and is now aiming to climb the F1® ladder.
- Energetic Driving Style: Guanyu has an aggressive approach to his driving and adds excitement to every race, making him a fan favorite, especially in his home country China. His aggression has caused him to over step a few times but that all helps him hone in his race craft.
This driver pairing exemplifies Sauber’s blend of experience and potential, key to their 2024 aspirations.
Build Experience
Now that you have background on the team, let us get back to why you are here. The LEGO® Sauber C44 is a satisfying build that highlights the car’s sleek aerodynamics and eye-catching livery. The car is part of the Speed Champion line which means that it is designed for younger builders. However that being said, it is still a very enjoyable set and looks great in person. The build takes around 40 minutes to an hour depending on your build experience.
Highlights of the Build:
- Aerodynamic Features: The C44’s low nose, side pods, and rear wing are faithfully recreated, showcasing the car’s high-performance design. What LEGO® has done is given each F1® car a unique profile, showing that each car is different. I think that is such a nice touch.
- Bold Livery: The bright green and black color scheme, complemented by the KICK logo, makes the car visually striking. The one thing I am not a fan of is that the color scheme looks almost the exact same as the LEGO® Aston Martin F1® car where in real life they both have very different greens.
- Smooth Assembly: The build strikes a balance between simplicity and detail, making it enjoyable for younger and experienced builders. LEGO® has always been good at accommodating everyone when it comes to the Speed Champion line and this is no exception.
The Minifigure
The included minifigure represents a KICK Sauber F1 driver, dressed in a detailed race suit that reflects the team’s branding. The minifigure is very basic but that is to be expected for a Speed Champion’s set. I am still really glad we get a minifigure with these sets to begin with so I cannot complain too much.
Minifigure Features:
- Team Suit: The suit features printing of the Sauber Logo on the chest.
- Helmet and Visor: The minifigure comes with a sleek helmet, completing the racing look. I really love that the visor is green and not just a basic clear one.
- Driver Representation: While not explicitly modeled after a specific driver, the minifigure embodies the professionalism and spirit of the KICK Sauber team. This is done so that young builders can imagine themselves as the driver. This boosts playability and allows them to really branch out and use their imagination.
Playability and Display Value
Playability:
- Racing Fun: As stated before, LEGO® has designed the C44 to be placed with by young builders. The car rolls smoothly on the wheels and this makes it perfect for recreating thrilling races and overtakes.
- Driver Interaction: The minifigure fits in the cockpit, and this allows young builders to take the playability to the next level. The young builders can imagine themselves as the driver and come up with storylines for races. The only roadblock is their imagination.
Display Value:
- Striking Design: So maybe you are more of a collector. Well the green and black livery makes the C44 a standout display piece. The set is small enough where it can fit anywhere but still looks good. The livery is really nice but might clash with some furniture items but that’s okay.
- Compact and Sleek: The model is ideal for displaying alongside other LEGO Speed Champions F1® sets. When you have the full collection it looks so good and really stands out.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Authentic Design: LEGO® has faithfully replicated the C44’s aerodynamic features and striking livery. They did not cut corners and really made the car in such a way that fans appreciate the build.
- Interactive Features: The Inclusion of a driver minifigure and functional wheels really allows the set to be played with which is nice.
- Collector Appeal: The set is perfect for fans of Sauber, Formula 1®, and LEGO® Speed Champions.
- Vibrant Livery: The bold green color on the black backdrop looks great. The sponsor logos add visual appeal and really elevate the set.
Cons:
- Niche Appeal: Primarily targets F1 or Sauber fans.
- Limited Complexity: Advanced builders may find the build less challenging.
Final Verdict
The LEGO® Speed Champions KICK Sauber F1® Team C44 Race Car is a fantastic addition to the Speed Champions lineup. With the sets sleek design, interactive play features, and attention to detail, this set celebrates Sauber’s 2024 F1 challenger in style. Whether you’re racing it on your desk or displaying it as part of your collection, the C44 delivers a thrilling LEGO experience.
Ready to build Sauber’s 2024 machine? Add the C44 to your LEGO collection today and relive the excitement of the F1 season!