Organisers of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix added another feather to their cap by completing the world's largest Lego brick-build of a Formula One car.
The project was part of Saudi Arabia’s 91st National Day celebrations and the final Lego brick was laid on Friday by Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.
The record was certified by Guinness World Records, whose representatives oversaw the entire build at the Red Sea Mall in Jeddah, with 500,000 Lego bricks used and the task carried out by Lego certified professionals.
The project was also a part of a build-up towards the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, scheduled to be held on December 3-5 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, which is set to be the fastest street circuit in the world.
Saudi residents were able ‘purchase’ a brick used during the car’s construction. The proceeds went directly to the charity Ehsan, helping to provide relief and support across Saudi Arabia’s various sectors.
“It is an indescribable feeling to be a part of not one but two world record breaking moments in the same year, with the Jeddah Corniche Circuit also set to become the longest and fastest street circuit on the planet when it makes its debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in December,” Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Faisal said.
“This exciting project was all about giving back to our community and reflecting the true meaning and values of progress, innovation and social responsibility that symbolise modern Saudi Arabia. Today I feel confident in declaring that it has done so and much, much more.
“This incredible accomplishment has been a feat of collaboration and ingenuity bound by a collective passion to use the power of F1 to provide Saudi Arabia with a brighter future.”
Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes.
Where to stay
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.
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HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
UAE SQUAD
Ahmed Raza (Captain), Rohan Mustafa, Jonathan Figy, CP Rizwan, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Usman, Basil Hameed, Zawar Farid, Vriitya Aravind (WK), Waheed Ahmed, Karthik Meiyappan, Zahoor Khan, Darius D'Silva, Chirag Suri
Results
6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $36,000 (Dirt) 1,600m, Winner: RB Money To Burn, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Turf) 2,410m, Winner: Star Safari, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
7.40pm: Meydan Trophy – Conditions (TB) $50,000 (T) 1,900m, Winner: Secret Protector, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
8.15pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 - Group 2 (TB) $293,000 (D) 1,900m, Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
8.50pm: Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m, Winner: Zakouski, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (T) 1,000m, Winner: Motafaawit, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson
The specs
Engine: 8.0-litre, quad-turbo 16-cylinder
Transmission: 7-speed auto
0-100kmh 2.3 seconds
0-200kmh 5.5 seconds
0-300kmh 11.6 seconds
Power: 1500hp
Torque: 1600Nm
Price: Dh13,400,000
On sale: now
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