During the Christmas period of 2024, I decided to spend some money (something I try to avoid, in a very Marwadi manner) and bought a scale model F1 car.
Why do I like F1? It is one of the only sports that combines human skill and engineering excellence in equal measure. Pure driving skill will never win a race. Neither will engineering excellence. But combine the two and you have a winner! I’m drawn to the engineering side of the sport. The sound of a V6 revving at fifteen thousand rpm. Yes, FIFTEEN THOUSAND. My paltry road car manages 2,000 rpm but my car is designed for efficiency, not power. The acceleration of a piston to forty meters per second. The aerodynamic efficiency. The science of fluid flow. I love all that. I don’t care as much for the drama that has come to dominate coverage in recent years but the engineering is still there, in the background.
I also particularly like Lewis Hamilton. The only Black driver on the F1 grid and the only person who did not come from money. I admire his grit, his perseverance, in the face of the sheer odds combined with the racism and the abuse. I also admire his willingness to speak about racial issues, especially discrimination, racism and the persistent trend of police abuse.
The model I bought is a 1:18 scale model of the 2020 car that Lewis drove to first place at the British Grand Prix. The race was notable because of how it ended. Pirelli – the tire manufacturer – came under criticism for the performance of their tires. Three drivers faced punctures, and Lewis’s front left tire was the last. This was also the last lap of the race and hence there was no time for a pit stop. Instead, Lewis’ 30 second lead over second place Max Verstappen was steadily eroded as Lewis continued on, slowly. He eventually won, only six seconds ahead of Max. Hamilton drove across the finish line with a flat tire.
The good
This model is large enough that you can marvel at the details and aerodynamic engineering of the car. The accuracy is on point and all the sponsor logos are there, if you care about that sort of thing. The DRS spoiler does not move and the rear tires are mechanically linked. The front tires are not. This is a display model and is not meant to move. The small details are well done. The helmet is accurate, the driver model is good. The angle of the case is excellent, allowing you to view more of the car from the front.
The bad
Some parts are flimsy and poorly cut. The communication antenna on the nose is a flimsily attached piece of plastic. One misplaced touch and it will either bend or break entirely. The display case itself leaves a bit to be desired. The cardboard at the rear feels cheap.
Would I recommend this? Sure. I bought mine from Toronto Motorsports for $ 200 plus taxes and shipping. Full price is closer to $ 300 and I would not pay that price. Lewis moves to Ferrari next season and I wanted to buy a scale model from his time at Mercedes.
Oh and my Christmas present was a bobble-headed figure of Lewis. Much delight.
For reference:
Link to the minichamps website – https://www.miniatures-minichamps.com/gb/f1-2010-2020/915148565-mercedes-f1-w11-eq-performance-44-f1-winner-silverstone-2020-lewis-hamilton-damaged-tyre-minichamps-110200444.html