LEGO Icons 10330 McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna Review

What's Included

The 693-piece inventory builds a 32cm (12.5") Formula 1 car mounted on an angled display stand, accompanied by an exclusive Ayrton Senna minifigure with championship trophy. New elements include dual-molded wheels specifically designed for F1 builds, long flat suspension wishbones in black, and multiple printed pieces eliminating sticker hassles. The minifigure features detailed race suit printing with accurate sponsor logos, a new helmet mold capturing Senna's distinctive yellow design, and comes with a white display plinth featuring his famous quote "No matter what your dream is, you have to dedicate yourself entirely to it" alongside his signature and portrait tile. Instructions span 132 pages across four numbered bags.

Building Experience

Construction flows logically from rear to front over approximately 2-3 hours, beginning with the turbocharged V6 engine assembly featuring drum-lacquered turbo housings. The rear suspension proves challenging, utilizing new wishbone pieces requiring precise alignment to the Technic-reinforced chassis. Front suspension incorporates functional steering through an elegant ball joint and cross-axle solution with decent range of motion. Bodywork assembly in bag four includes the controversial narrow rear tires—identical width to fronts despite real-world proportions demanding wider rears. The nose cone's printed tile exhibits slight color matching issues with white elements appearing pinkish, while print safezones create jagged edges around stud cutouts. Despite these quibbles, the build remains engaging without overwhelming complexity.

Technical Accuracy and Design

LEGO achieves impressive accuracy within constraints, capturing the MP4/4's revolutionary low-profile silhouette that forced Senna to tilt his head in corners. The sextant piece cleverly represents the roll bar stiffness adjustment lever, while the turbocharged V6 showcases appropriate detail for the scale. Working features include steering linkage, adjustable rear wing (though the front remains fixed), and suspension that flexes realistically despite lacking true spring components. The livery adaptation removes explicit Marlboro branding per EU regulations, softening the iconic chevron but maintaining visual impact. Most controversial remains the tire width—engineering limitations forced equal-sized wheels front and rear, fundamentally altering the car's stance and betraying its wide-track rear that defined late-80s F1 aesthetics.

Display Features and Presentation

The angled display stand elevates the MP4/4 for optimal viewing, though the mounting system feels less refined than recent Icons vehicles. Senna's minifigure stands separately on his championship podium, allowing flexible display arrangements. The information plaque combines inspirational messaging with historical context, though hardcore fans might prefer technical specifications over motivational quotes. At display scale, the narrow rear tires become less noticeable, especially from front three-quarter angles. The white, red, and black color scheme ensures visual impact on any shelf, while the compact footprint suits space-conscious collectors. The absence of stickers ensures long-term display quality without peeling concerns.

Value Proposition and Market Analysis

At $79.99 USD (€79.99 EUR), the 11.5 cents per piece positions this reasonably within Icons pricing, especially considering new molds and printed elements. Historical data shows prices ranging $76.19-83.77 across retailers, with discounts reaching $63.95 at major chains. Sales rankings between 842-1926 indicate moderate demand. The Part-Out-Value reaches $122.53, providing $42.54 savings versus BrickLink purchasing. Compared to Creator Expert vehicles averaging $100+, this represents solid value. The included minifigure—first in Icons cars—adds collectibility, while F1 licensing likely inflated costs modestly. Investment potential remains moderate given LEGO's expanding F1 presence, though Senna's legendary status ensures enduring appeal.

Editor's Verdict