Two UAE racing drivers secure seats in 2027 FIA Formula 3
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UAE racing talents Rashid Al Dhaheri and Keanu Al Azhari will compete in the 2027 FIA Formula 3 Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing and Hitech GP, respectively, joining a 30-driver international grid
The UAE has reached an important milestone in motorsport development, with Rashid Al Dhaheri and Keanu Al Azhari securing seats in the 2027 FIA Formula 3 Championship. Al Dhaheri will compete for Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR), while Al Azhari will represent Hitech GP. Both drivers are ambassadors of Yas Heat, the karting and driver development programme based at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. With only 30 seats available across the championship grid, their selection marks a significant step in their racing careers. FIA Formula 3 is a key stage in the international single-seater pathway, providing young drivers with an opportunity to progress towards Formula 2 and, ultimately, Formula 1.
From UAE karting to international Racing
Both drivers began their single-seater careers in Formula 4 with support from Yas Heat, building on their early development in karting and progressing towards higher levels of competition.
Yas Heat operates grassroots karting and driver development programmes designed to identify and nurture young talent from as early as five years old. Its pathway supports aspiring racers as they move from karting into single-seater championships and international competition.
Their progression highlights the UAE's growing motorsport development ecosystem, supported by facilities such as Yas Marina Circuit. The Abu Dhabi circuit has hosted the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009, helping establish the emirate as a prominent destination on the international motorsport calendar.
Al Dhaheri and Al Azhari also follow a wider group of Emirati drivers who have competed at international level. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, now President of the FIA, won 14 Middle East Rally Championship titles. Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi competed in the World Rally Championship, while Khaled Al Qubaisi raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
More recently, sisters Amna and Hamda Al Qubaisi competed in F1 Academy, with Hamda securing four victories during the series' inaugural 2023 season.
The latest Formula 3 appointments add to this legacy and highlight the opportunities emerging for UAE drivers to pursue professional careers in international motorsport.
A milestone for Yas Heat and UAE motorsport
Ali Al Beshr, General Manager of Yas Marina Circuit, described the drivers' progression as a proud moment for Yas Heat and the wider UAE motorsport community.
He credited their talent, determination and ambition, alongside the development opportunities available in the country, for helping them reach this stage.
Al Beshr also emphasised Yas Heat's commitment to establishing a sustainable pathway from grassroots karting to international competition, enabling more young drivers to follow in their footsteps.
Beyond their individual achievements, Al Dhaheri and Al Azhari's progression demonstrates the opportunities available to the next generation of Emirati and UAE-based drivers aspiring to professional motorsport.
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