Formula 1 once again demonstrated its flair for the dramatic with an unprecedented podium ceremony at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday night. In a move that set it apart from traditional sports, Hollywood star Terry Crews chauffeured the top three drivers in a driveable pink LEGO Cadillac, creating an instant historic moment for the sport.
A Podium Parade Like No Other
Following an eventful race that saw Red Bull's Max Verstappen claim victory, the usual parc ferme proceedings were spectacularly abandoned. Instead of the conventional podium arrival, Terry Crews took the wheel of an extraordinary vehicle – a 1950s Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special constructed from more than 400,000 LEGO bricks.
The eye-catching pink Cadillac carried a triumphant trio: race winner Max Verstappen, second-place finisher Lando Norris of McLaren, and Mercedes driver George Russell, who initially secured third position. The drivers waved to the enthusiastic Las Vegas crowd from their unique transport as Crews navigated the circuit.
From White Chicks to Victory Laps
The entertainment didn't stop at the extraordinary vehicle. During their drive to the Bellagio fountains for post-race interviews with David Coulthard, Verstappen suggested they needed some music. Crews responded by breaking into a rendition of Vanessa Carlton's A Thousand Miles, the song he famously performed in the 2004 comedy film White Chicks.
This spontaneous musical moment added to the carnival atmosphere, blending Hollywood entertainment with elite motorsport in a way only Las Vegas could facilitate. The drivers' reactions ranged from amusement to sheer delight at the unconventional celebration.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Prospects
The remarkable LEGO Cadillac represents more than just a novelty vehicle. It forms part of the latest activation in the multi-year partnership between Formula 1 and the LEGO Group, demonstrating both brands' commitment to innovative marketing.
Significantly, the Cadillac brand's presence foreshadows its upcoming entry into Formula 1. Cadillac will become the 11th team on the grid in 2026, with veteran drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez confirmed for their driver lineup. Terry Crews, who drove the LEGO masterpiece, serves as an ambassador for the US-based car manufacturer.
This groundbreaking podium ceremony underscores Formula 1's ongoing mission to differentiate itself from other sports through spectacle and innovation. By transforming a traditional motorsport moment into a globally shareable entertainment event, F1 continues to expand its appeal beyond hardcore racing fans to a broader international audience.
