The F1 builds in Lego's Speed Champions line allow younger fans to create a compact version of their favourite team's car. Photo: Lego
The F1 builds in Lego's Speed Champions line allow younger fans to create a compact version of their favourite team's car. Photo: Lego
The F1 builds in Lego's Speed Champions line allow younger fans to create a compact version of their favourite team's car. Photo: Lego
The F1 builds in Lego's Speed Champions line allow younger fans to create a compact version of their favourite team's car. Photo: Lego

Is Formula One the best partnership Lego has had this year?


Faisal Al Zaabi
  • English
  • Arabic

Lego has released many popular build-and-display sets from familiar films, television shows and brands, from Nike and Disney to even Nasa. But this year, one partnership stood out above the others: Formula One.

The Danish building bricks company released a wave of F1 sets, from small Speed Champions cars to complex Technic models, and all have been met with strong demand. For many, including the sizeable motorsports fan base, this may well be Lego’s best collaboration of this and other years to come.

An old connection

Lego’s link with Formula One goes back further than many think. In the 1980s and 1990s, it released Technic sets that resembled racing cars, though without official licences. Ferrari was the first team to appear in licensed Lego sets in the early 2000s, and fans often adapted them to look more like real F1 cars.

A major step came in 2022 with the launch of the Technic McLaren F1 car. It was the first time Lego worked directly with an F1 team on a set, and it showed the potential for more detailed F1 models.

The set allowed F1 fans to build their own car, which gave them a better understanding of what goes into these engineering marvels. For Lego fans, it was a chance to get closer to the popular motorsport.

A real partnership

The Williams Racing FW14B & Nigel Mansell set celebrates an important car and beloved driver in F1's history. Photo: Lego
The Williams Racing FW14B & Nigel Mansell set celebrates an important car and beloved driver in F1's history. Photo: Lego

In September 2024, Lego and Formula 1 announced a multi-year partnership, set to launch with the 2025 season. The collaboration aimed to bring F1 racing to a younger audience through hands-on building experiences, offering sets that ranged from Duplo for pre-schoolers to more complex Technic and Speed Champions models for older builders and collectors.

The announcement paved the way for major releases in 2025. In March, Lego unveiled two Technic sets: the Ferrari SF-24 F1 Car and the Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 F1 Car. The Ferrari, made up of 1,361 pieces, features a working suspension, two-speed gearbox and steering. The Red Bull, with 1,639 pieces, includes a V6 engine, slick tyres and detailed team livery.

Alongside these, Lego launched 10 Speed Champions sets, each representing a team from the 2024 F1 grid – Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Williams, Haas, Alpine, Sauber, Red Bull and Racing Bulls were all included. Each set contains between 240 and 270 pieces, offering options for younger fans while also appealing to collectors.

Despite appearing like the 10 cars could be a similar build with different stickers, each provided a unique experience with different ways to make the small models look as close as possible to the real thing.

Lego has also released a Nigel Mansell Williams Racing set from 1992 as part of the Icons line. This follows last year’s release of Ayrton Senna’s McLaren MP4/4. Both of these releases celebrate the history of F1 and some of its most beloved drivers and cars.

Why does it work?

The 1,639-piece Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 F1 Race car. Photo: Lego
The 1,639-piece Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 F1 Race car. Photo: Lego

The fit between Lego and F1 feels natural now. Formula One is about precision, engineering and performance. Lego is about creativity and crafting objects from the ground up. Both reward patience, focus and attention to detail.

As F1 tries to attract younger fans, especially in the US and Middle East, Lego offers a fun way for children and families to connect with teams through building.

For adults and collectors, it brings something as complex and beautiful as an F1 car into their homes. It’s a peek behind the curtain at how they are assembled and what makes them so special.

Bricks on the track

The life-sized Lego version of the Mercedes-AMG car next to the smaller model it's based on. Photo: Lego Middle East
The life-sized Lego version of the Mercedes-AMG car next to the smaller model it's based on. Photo: Lego Middle East

Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix in May 2025, the popularity of the partnership for fans of both brands reached a pinnacle when Formula One introduced a unique twist to the traditional drivers' parade. All 20 drivers took the wheel of 10 fully driveable life-size versions of the Speed Champions cars, each custom-designed to match their team's colours and liveries.

The near 1:1 scale vehicles, constructed from nearly 400,000 Lego bricks and weighing 1,000kg, were built over 22,000 hours by a team of 26 designers and engineers at Lego's Kladno factory in the Czech Republic. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 20kph, the cars featured authentic details, including sponsor logos and Pirelli tyres.

The parade was not only a fun experience for both drivers and fans, but also demonstrated the painstaking detail behind Lego cars, and how much work goes into making them look like the real deal.

The Mercedes-AMG team's car used in the parade is on display at Abu Dhabi's Galleria Mall to celebrate race week, giving fans a chance what these intricate builds look like up close. Fans attending the Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit can also partake in the brick building fun at Lego's pop up booth where all the F1 cars can be bought.

A verdict and a prediction

More complex sets such as Lego's Technic Ferrari SF-24 F1 Car allow older fans to enjoy and understand the motorsport. Photo: Lego
More complex sets such as Lego's Technic Ferrari SF-24 F1 Car allow older fans to enjoy and understand the motorsport. Photo: Lego

For many, Lego might seem like an activity for young people. While that is still true, there are many adults around the world that partake either alone or with their children. There are many intellectual properties that have now become synonymous with a Lego release, from Star Wars to Marvel.

But for fans of cars and motorsports, the output through the Speed Champions and Technic sets might feel minor compared to how many sets are released for other themes. With the F1 partnership, the options have increased, and there’s more to look forward to.

As for what comes next, ideally Lego could release all the cars on the grid every year in the Speed Champions line as it would be nice to see a continuation even though there will always be more popular teams than others.

For the Technic line, the release output is perfect, and it’s safe to expect two F1 cars every year. As for the cars in the Icons line, it would be great to see a Michael Schumacher Ferrari or Fernando Alonso Renault, allowing the brand – and its base of builders – to continue the celebration of F1’s rich history.

Australia squads

ODI: Tim Paine (capt), Aaron Finch (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye.

T20: Aaron Finch (capt), Alex Carey (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Jack Wildermuth.

MATCH RESULT

Al Jazira 3 Persepolis 2
Jazira:
Mabkhout (52'), Romarinho (77'), Al Hammadi (90' 6)
Persepolis: Alipour (42'), Mensha (84')

Everything Now

Arcade Fire

(Columbia Records)

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

The specs: 2018 Audi RS5

Price, base: Dh359,200

Engine: 2.9L twin-turbo V6

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 450hp at 5,700rpm

Torque: 600Nm at 1,900rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 8.7L / 100km

Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Going grey? A stylist's advice

If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”

Tenet

Director: Christopher Nolan

Stars: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, Michael Caine, Kenneth Branagh 

Rating: 5/5

Pad Man

Dir: R Balki

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte

Three-and-a-half stars

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

The biog

Name: Mariam Ketait

Emirate: Dubai

Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, experiencing new things, painting, reading, flying, and the French language

Favourite quote: "Be the change you wish to see" - unknown

Favourite activity: Connecting with different cultures

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UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

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%3Cp%3EMinisterial%20experience%3A%20Current%20Foreign%20Secretary.%0D%3Cbr%3E%0DWhat%20did%20she%20do%20before%20politics%3F%20Worked%20as%20an%20economist%20for%20Shell%20and%20Cable%20and%20Wireless%20and%20was%20then%20a%20deputy%20director%20for%20right-of-centre%20think%20tank%20Reform.%0D%3Cbr%3E%0DWhat%20does%20she%20say%20on%20tax%3F%20She%20has%20pledged%20to%20%22start%20cutting%20taxes%20from%20day%20one%22%2C%20reversing%20April's%20rise%20in%20National%20Insurance%20and%20promising%20to%20keep%20%22corporation%20tax%20competitive%22.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH DETAILS

Manchester United 3

Greenwood (21), Martial (33), Rashford (49)

Partizan Belgrade 0

HER%20FIRST%20PALESTINIAN
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Saeed%20Teebi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPages%3A%20256%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPublisher%3A%C2%A0House%20of%20Anansi%20Press%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

THE BIO

Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.

Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.

Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.

Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.

 

 

Brief scoreline

Switzerland 0

England 0

Result: England win 6-5 on penalties

Man of the Match: Trent Alexander-Arnold (England)

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German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

Normal People

Sally Rooney, Faber & Faber
 

Profile box

Company name: baraka
Started: July 2020
Founders: Feras Jalbout and Kunal Taneja
Based: Dubai and Bahrain
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: $150,000
Current staff: 12
Stage: Pre-seed capital raising of $1 million
Investors: Class 5 Global, FJ Labs, IMO Ventures, The Community Fund, VentureSouq, Fox Ventures, Dr Abdulla Elyas (private investment)

Mercedes V250 Avantgarde specs

Engine: 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo

Gearbox: 7-speed automatic

Power: 211hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 350Nm

Fuel economy, combined: 6.0 l/100 km

Price: Dh235,000

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Updated: December 04, 2025, 7:04 AM