Two young Emirati drivers, Rashid Al Dhaheri and Keanu Al Azhari, have secured seats on the Formula 3 grid for the 2027 season, a result UAE motorsport officials are calling a milestone for the country. Al Dhaheri will race for Van Amersfoort Racing, while Al Azhari joins Hitech GP.
Both drivers began their single-seater careers in Formula 4, progressing through the Yas Heat programme, a driver-development initiative based at Yas Marina Circuit. The programme follows drivers from as young as five years old, taking them from grassroots karting through to competitive higher-tier championships.
Ali Al Beshr, general manager of Yas Marina Circuit, said having two drivers representing the UAE at this level marks "a significant milestone for the country's motorsport ecosystem." The Formula 3 grid carries only 30 seats worldwide, making it notable that two drivers from the same country secured places in the same season — a result officials point to as validation of the UAE's motorsport development programmes.
Formula 3 is widely regarded as one of the key steps on the ladder toward Formula 1, with many current F1 drivers having competed in the category before moving up. The Emirati pair's presence on the grid gives the UAE visibility on the global motorsport stage and is expected to encourage the next generation of young Emirati drivers coming up through programmes like Yas Heat. Further details on the drivers' race calendars and team line-ups are expected in the coming months.