Photo: Prema
Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 junior Rashid Al Dhaheri has added a partial GB3 campaign with Chris Dittmann Racing to his full-time Formula Regional European Championship commitments this year.
The 16-year-old Emirati, who was announced as joining Mercedes last week, had already been confirmed as remaining in Prema’s ranks for a third year with a step up from Formula 4 to FRegional in 2025.
That double programme began in the Middle East championship, where he came sixth in the standings with three podiums, and the European championship will take up 10 of his weekends later this year. His GB3 campaign will start with April’s season opener at Silverstone, and there are three other rounds that do not clash with FREC which he could enter.
“I am thrilled to join the GB3 series and grateful to Chris Dittmann Racing for the opportunity to join in selected rounds,” said Al Dhaheri. “Having never raced in the UK before, I eagerly look forward to taking on the legendary Silverstone circuit. I’m excited to experience the new GB3 car firsthand and can’t wait to get behind the wheel soon.”
Al Dhaheri made his single-seater debut in 2023, competing in four different F4 paddocks with Prema and with his best result being a win in F4 South East Asia. Last year he had improved results, coming fourth in F4 United Arab Emirates with two victories, coming 10th in Italian F4, 11th in E4 (nee Euro 4) and then second in the Formula Trophy on home soil.
He made his FRegional debut in the Macau Grand Prix, finishing sixth on-the-road before being disqualified due to a technical disrecpancy.
“We’re delighted to welcome Rashid to the team for his GB3 debut,” said CDR’s eponymous team owner Chris Dittmann. “He’s already built an impressive racing CV across multiple F4 series and has demonstrated great racecraft and consistency.
“GB3 will be another step in his development, and with the debut of the new car this season, it’s an exciting time to be joining the grid. We’re looking forward to working with him and helping him maximise his potential in every race he competes in.”
Al Dhaheri is the second driver to commit to a part-time GB3 campaign this year, following Prema team-mate Freddie Slater who has signed with Hillspeed. There are now 15 drivers on GB3’s 2025 grid, with more seats expected to be filled this month.