Stolen F1 LEGO mystery deepens as US police find massive haul in the California desert

Norris and Piastri F1 helmets next to LEGO versions in Monaco harbour — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 LEGO

Stolen F1 LEGO mystery deepens as US police find massive haul in the California desert

The mystery deepens

Graham Shaw Consultant Editor

Digital sports specialist running global brands for 30 years

Sunday 23 August 2026 10:57 Updated: 11:38

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Police in the US have recovered a massive haul of F1 LEGO which was believed stolen in a recent train theft.

The popular toy is now a huge deal in motorsport's premier series with teams bringing out new lines and special editions all the time - from cars to driver helmets.

Those lines include of course the hugely popular McLaren team with its massive papaya-obsessed fanbase.

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McLaren LEGO recovered, worth more than $28,000

It was 123 boxes of McLaren LEGO which were recovered by chance - to be specific the MCL39 car with which Lando Norris claimed the 2025 Drivers' Championship and and helped the team become Constructors' champions.

With each box priced at $230 the total value of the haul was put at more than $28,000.

The haul was discovered by officers in an abandoned van in the California desert of all places, when they performed a routine check between National Trails Highway and Pioneer Road Newberry Springs.

It is believed the McLaren goodies had initially been stolen during a recent theft from a train. At this stage the crime remains unsolved with no arrests have been made.

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F1 McLaren Lego