Emirati racing driver Rashid Al Dhaheri is set to make history in 2027 by becoming the first driver from the United Arab Emirates to compete in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. At 18 years old, Al Dhaheri, a junior driver in the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team development program, will step up to the international series with Dutch team Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR).

VAR is recognized for nurturing young talent and has produced several prominent drivers, including four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Liam Lawson, and Oliver Bearman. Al Dhaheri’s entry into Formula 3 marks a significant progression in his career, offering him the chance to measure himself against some of the most highly regarded emerging drivers in international single-seater racing.

The FIA Formula 3 Championship runs alongside the Formula One Grand Prix weekends, providing a high-profile platform for upcoming drivers. In 2027, Al Dhaheri will compete in 10 rounds across 10 countries on four continents, presenting a rigorous schedule that will test his consistency and adaptability. With only 30 drivers securing spots on the grid, Al Dhaheri’s placement underlines the competitive nature of the series.

Formula 3 is a crucial stage in the FIA’s single-seater development ladder, serving as a conduit for young racers aiming to ascend towards Formula One. Al Dhaheri’s participation not only marks a milestone for Emirati motorsport but also reflects the growing presence of the UAE in the global racing arena.

Remaining part of the Mercedes junior program while joining VAR provides Al Dhaheri a strong foundation to continue honing his skills against elite competition. His historic debut season next year will be closely watched as he seeks to establish himself on the international stage and inspire a new generation of Emirati drivers aspiring to international motorsport careers.