Rashid Al Dhaheri Accelerates Towards F1 Ambitions with Formula 3 Leap

Emirati racing prodigy Rashid Al Dhaheri is set to compete in FIA Formula 3 in 2027, having secured a deal with the renowned Dutch team Van Amersfoort Racing. The announcement on Thursday marks a significant step up for the 18-year-old UAE star, who recently concluded the Formula Regional European Championship in fourth place.

“I’m very proud to be taking the next step into FIA Formula 3 with Van Amersfoort Racing,” stated Al Dhaheri, who has been a part of the Mercedes Junior Driver Programme since March 2025. “It is an important milestone in my journey, but I know the hard work is only beginning. I’m proud to represent the UAE and the wider region at this level, and I’m looking forward to learning, improving and giving everything I have on and off the track. Every step has to be earned, and my focus now is on preparing as strongly as possible for 2027. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me and helped make this opportunity possible.”

This move positions the UAE to have two drivers on the Formula 3 grid next season, as Keanu Al Azhari has also signed with Hitech. Notably, no Emirati driver has previously competed in F3.

Brad Joyce, team principal for Van Amersfoort Racing, expressed his enthusiasm: “We’re looking forward to welcome Rashid to [the team]. He has had a very strong season in Formula Regional, with three wins and eight podiums, finishing in fourth place in the championship. He has shown his pace throughout the year and has been able to fight at the front of a very competitive field. That gives us a good starting point as he steps up to Formula 3. We’re looking forward to working with him during the post season tests and preparing for his first F3 season together.”

Al Dhaheri's motorsport career commenced at the age of three, rapidly progressing through junior categories, including victories in the WSK Super Master Series and the South Garda Winter Cup. His single-seater debut came in 2023 with Prema Racing in the Italian F4 Championship, where he secured a 10th place overall finish and a podium at Macau. He continued his impressive trajectory in 2024, participating in the Formula 4 UAE Championship and the Euro 4 Championship.

His inclusion in the Mercedes Junior Driver Programme in March 2025 was a landmark achievement, making him the first driver from the Middle East to be selected for their F1 development initiative. Al Dhaheri described this as a “dream come true,” advancing his ultimate ambition of becoming the first Emirati driver in Formula 1. George Russell, a current F1 driver for Mercedes, is also an alumnus of this programme.

Al Dhaheri concluded his FIA Formula Regional European Championship campaign with a podium at Hockenheim, securing fourth place in the overall standings. His season was highlighted by three victories, eight podiums, one pole position, and a fastest lap, driving for the French team R-ace GP. He achieved wins at the Red Bull Ring, Monza, and Hungaroring, and notably became the first Emirati to lead the championship standings at its midpoint.