Photo: ACI Sport
Rashid Al Dhaheri has signed with Van Amersfoort Racing for his graduation to FIA Formula 3 for 2027, completing the Dutch team’s three-driver line-up alongside the previously announced Enzo Deligny and Yevan David.
After two seasons in Formula 4 in Italy and his home series in the UAE, he graduated to Formula Regional for 2025. He finished sixth in the Middle East with Mumbai Falcoms before coming eighth in Europe for Prema.
Switching to R-ace GP for his second season in FRegional in 2026, the Mercedes-AMG F1 junior started the year as runner-up in the Middle East Trophy with three wins. On returning to Europe, he claimed fourth in the standings, having still been in contention for the title until the last round. His three wins helped R-ace GP retain the teams’ championship.
The 18-year-old Emirati called the move “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.”
Van Amersfoort Racing’s team principal Brad Joyce welcomed Al Dhaheri to the team after his “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.”
Together with Keanu Al Azhari at Hitech, Al Dhaheri will become the first Emirati driver to participate in an FIA F3 race when the 2027 season begins in Bahrain.