UAE's Rashid Al Dhaheri relishes historic Formula 3 chance: 'Next year will be something amazing'

Rashid Al Dhaheri, an 18-year-old Emirati, is thrilled to represent his country in the FIA Formula 3 Championship next year after signing with Dutch team Van Amersfoort Racing. No Emirati has ever reached such heights in motorsport, so Al Dhaheri believes this will be a "proud moment" and that the 2027 season could be "something amazing".

Formula 3 is the third tier of motorsport, ranking behind Formula One and Formula Two, and races alongside F1 at ten Grand Prix weekends. Van Amersfoort Racing, known for developing young talent like Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, is an esteemed team in the sport.

Al Dhaheri, who finished fourth in the 2026 FIA Formula Regional European Championship, is breaking new ground as a UAE national competing in F3. He told The National that representing the UAE is always a "proud moment" and that his objective is to do it in the best way possible. Al Dhaheri emphasizes that, for him, this opportunity is not a pressure, but rather an exciting chance.

Throughout the 2026 season, Al Dhaheri demonstrated his skills by winning three races, securing eight podiums, and setting a fastest lap. He led the championship standings until the final round, finishing fourth overall. Despite facing challenges, such as first-lap contact at Marseille s Paul Ricard Circuit and Imola, Al Dhaheri remains determined to learn from his experiences and continue his journey in motorsport.