Review by Angelina de Waal (SAFOLs Member, zaLUG Member, Brick Club South Africa)
LEGO® Technic’s Ferrari SF-24 (42207) 1:8 scale model aims to capture the speed, engineering, and legacy of Scuderia Ferrari’s 2024 F1 car.
Current newly listed prices at local stores are at R3,900 = R2.87 per piece or at R4,600 = R3.38 per piece. This set sits in the premium category, promising an intricate building experience. But does it deliver for both LEGO® Technic fans and F1 collectors?
First Impressions & Design
Out of the box, there are 10 paper bags, a plastic bag with hoses and some technic parts, a paper bag not the old cardboard envelope for the manual and a cardboard box for the tyres. The striking red colour scheme, detailed bodywork, and working Technic functions are great.
The manual includes some nice photos of the actual car and worth taking a moment to review.
However, for die-hard F1 fans, some aspects feel a little off:
Identical Wheel Sizes – In real F1 cars, the rear wheels are larger and wider than the front to provide better traction. This LEGO® version uses the same-sized wheels all around, which takes away from the realism.
Sits Higher Than Expected – Compared to the low-slung, aggressive stance of an actual F1 car, this model sits a bit too high, making it look slightly off.
Exposed Holes & Connectors – Like most Technic sets, there are visible connector bumps and open Technic holes, particularly around the side pods and rear. Some collectors may find this distracting for display purposes.
That said, the attention to aerodynamics and mechanical details still makes this an impressive model. The combination of sleek bodywork, functional elements, and Ferrari’s signature design gives it presence on a shelf. Current social media comments say the Red Bull also released at the same time has more coverage based on the design differences of the actual car and the limitations of design challenges into LEGO® Technic builds.
There’s plenty to appreciate, but a few frustrations as well:
Gearbox Feels Basic – While there is a functional gearbox, it’s not particularly advanced compared to previous Technic even System supercars. More depth in the transmission system would have added to the technical appeal.
Sticker Overload – There are two full sheets of stickers, and applying them is as tedious as Speed Champions, but worse. For those who avoid touching stickers directly, the larger decals require more than one tool to hold in place, and a lot of the curved parts it makes application even trickier. Expect at least seven hours to complete the build, factoring in sticker placement. Printed parts would have been a better choice for an F1 collector’s display piece.
Manual Could Be Clearer – Some instruction steps lack clarity, making certain sections especially around the engine is just a bit finicky. If the alignment isn’t perfect, the engine components won’t move freely, which can be frustrating.
Key Features
Even with its imperfections, this set delivers a solid F1-inspired build, bringing some satisfying Technic functions into play:
✔ Authentic Ferrari SF-24 Design – Sleek, aerodynamic bodywork replicates Ferrari’s latest F1 challenger.
✔ Functional Steering & Suspension – Allows for interactive play and realistic movement, with working suspension and steering mechanism above the driver’s headrest.
✔ Premium Display Piece – Despite some design flaws i.e. the tyres but it remains an eye-catching collector’s item especially considering its size H: 13cm, W: 24cm, D: 61cm.
What Could Have Been Better?
A few design and packaging tweaks could have made this set even more appealing:
Better Storage & Transport Design – A narrower but longer box would have allowed builders to store the completed car inside, making it easier to bring out for race day gatherings.
Lower Ride Height – A slightly lower stance would have helped capture the true F1 look.
More Printed Parts – Stickers are one thing, but at this price point, some printed sponsor logos would have been a game-changer.
Final Thoughts
Building the Ferrari SF-24 was enjoyable, even with some quirks along the way. While hardcore F1 collectors may be bothered by the wheel size inaccuracy, stickers, and exposed connectors, Technic fans will likely appreciate the mechanics and build challenge.
Would the car have looked sleeker with some attention? Probably. But it was still a great experience to put together this Ferrari, and for F1 and LEGO® fans, it’s definitely worth considering.
