Ask seasoned Formula 1 fans to point out the most technologically advanced and perhaps the best-looking F1 car and the Williams-Renault FW14B will most likely come to mind.
Not just because of the low nose, its clean design all around, and that iconic blue-and-yellow livery with Canon sponsorship, but because of the planning behind it (specifically by designer Adrian Newey and engineer Paddy Lowe) and what went into it—active suspension, traction control, and an improved semi-automatic gearbox.
Active suspension allowed the team and the driver to adjust the ride height to different corners for maximum performance. Ride-height adjustments also meant that the aerodynamics were maximized. And with the amount of downforce, the FW14B found more speed.
Traction control, meanwhile, prevented the tires from slipping. The team assessed the brakes on all four corners, and can respond quickly if any of the tires showed signs of losing grip. Particularly in wet conditions, no other car could match the grip.
The result? The FW14B won 10 (Nigel Mansell winning nine and Riccardo Patrese one) of the 16 races with Mansell taking the drivers’ championship and Williams-Renault claiming the constructors’ title in 1992.
The car was so fast in the corners that it prompted the FIA to ban active suspension the next year.
Back to the present, you can soon build a Lego replica of this technological marvel. The car-and-driver set consists of 799 pieces, and features working steering, slick tires with Goodyear Eagle print, and a detailed Renault V10 engine. Does it come with active suspension? How we wish!
The Nigel Mansell Minifigure, meanwhile, comes with his trademark helmet and a podium-style display stand.
The Lego Icons Williams Racing FW14B is now available for preorder and will launch on March 1.
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