{
  "id": 8851425,
  "title": "‘My father Googled 'How do you reach Formula One?’: Rashid Al Dhaheri’s journey from karting to dreams of F1",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/my-father-googled-how-do-you-reach-formula-one-rashid-al-dhaheris",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T05:33:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/f1/2026/09/21/my-father-googled-how-do-you-reach-formula-one-rashid-al-dhaheris-journey-from-karting-to-dreams-of-f1/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rashid Al Dhaheri, an 18-year-old Mercedes junior driver from the UAE, is rapidly emerging as a promising talent in the world of motor racing. In an exclusive interview with The National, Al Dhaheri discussed the mindset and sacrifices required to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Currently competing in the FIA Formula Regional European Championship, Al Dhaheri finished the season in fourth place overall, 38 points behind champion Emanuele Olivieri of Italy. The teenager secured three victories, eight podium finishes, one pole position, and a fastest lap throughout the eight-round championship, driving for French team R-ace GP. Al Dhaheri was introduced to Formula One at just three years old during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and quickly developed a strong passion for the sport, inspired by the red Ferrari cars and the glamour surrounding the racing world. His father, unaware of any motorsport background, Googled \"How do you start? How do you reach Formula One?\" to research how to begin Al Dhaheri's racing journey. Growing up, Al Dhaheri's racing calendar was packed, and he traveled constantly, forming friendships with other racing enthusiasts. However, his life was disrupted when the Covid-19 pandemic forced him to live apart from his parents for two years, leading to significant personal sacrifices. Despite the challenges, Al Dhaheri remains focused on his goal of reaching Formula One, emphasizing the importance of being authentic and true to oneself in the pursuit of success. His family's support has been crucial, with his mother and grandmother preferring to learn about his results after the races. As the only Emirati among 30 drivers on the grid, Al Dhaheri recognizes the importance of his progress for young drivers in the region, hoping to inspire a new generation of Arab racing talents. His next race is the FIA Formula Regional World Cup at the Macau Grand Prix from November 19 to 22, with plans for 2027 yet to be determined, as his ultimate dream remains the same – to reach Formula One.",
  "summary": "At only 18, Rashid Al Dhaheri is a Mercedes junior driver and one of the most exciting racing talents to emerge from the UAE. In an exclusive interview with The National , Al Dhaheri talks about the mindset and sacrifices required as he attempts to reach the pinnacle of motor racing. Al Dhaheri has just finished the FIA Formula Regional European Championship campaign with a podium finish at…",
  "key_points": [
    "18-year-old Rashid Al Dhaheri, UAE's Mercedes junior driver, aims for F1.",
    "Finished 4th in FIA Formula Regional European Championship, 38 points behind leader.",
    "Inspired by red Ferraris at 3, father researched F1 entry via Google."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Al Dhaheri's progress in motor racing, as the only Emirati driver on the grid, holds significance for young Arab talents in the region, offering a potential pathway to success in the sport.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "‘My father Googled 'How do you reach Formula One?’: Rashid Al Dhaheri’s journey from karting to dreams of F1",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/my-father-googled-how-do-you-reach-formula-one-rashid-al-dhaheris-8854456",
        "published": "2026-09-21T05:33:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}