Young Arabs are ready to earn their place on grid at F1’s big events, Emirati teenager says
Rashid Al Dhaheri’s goal is to be Formula One’s next star.
The Abu Dhabi schoolboy, 15, made his debut this year for Prema Racing at Imola in Italy, where he finished in the points during the first round of the Italian Formula 4 Championship.
“My dream is to reach F1 with the help of my country,” he told The National.
“I would like to show that we are a modern nation which achieves amazing results through hard work and dedication.”
In his Huawei and Yas Heat-sponsored car, Rashid is on the grid with older and more experienced drivers, some of whom are affiliated with F1 teams.
“I’m aware that I’m the youngest driver on the grid, but I fight for each position,” he said.
Rashid said twice F1 champion Fernando Alonso, who he first met at the Abu Dhabi circuit in 2011, is his favourite driver.
He said they have now met several times and Alonso “has always been kind”.
The young Emirati started in the sport at the age of six and spent years competing at karting’s highest levels.
He credits his journey to the generosity of the government, adding that his success would not have been possible without the help from UAE leaders believing in his talent.
“Karting was manageable in terms of finance with the help of some partners, but it’s not possible for formula racing to be financed by a private person,” he said.
“I am extremely grateful that our leaders trusted in me and gave me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by supporting my formula racing.”
Rashid’s family had no roots in the sport, but supported his dream and allowed him a taste of karting at Al Ain Raceway at the age of four.
Eleven years later, and it has not all been plain sailing, Rashid said, admitting that there were many ups and downs, such as flying to and from the UAE and China – where his father often travelled on business – and being away from his family. “That just inspired me to work harder to reach my goal,” he said.
“In the GCC, we host four F1 races. People are very enthusiastic about cars, so it would be great to have our countries represented at the highest level of motorsports.”
After his first taste of karting, Rashid took a training programme in Italy before returning to Al Ain Raceway for the opening round of the 20132014 UAE Championship. He finished runner-up in his first race.
Since then, he has achieved great success, becoming a record holder in the UAE as a five-times Dubai Kartdrome O-Plate champion, Macau International Kart Grand Prix champion and World Series of Karting champion.
In 2019, he decided to settle in Italy to cut down on the amount of travelling he had to do. His mother and sisters joined him there.
His helmet pays homage to his Emirati heritage, and features the UAE’s falcon, the UAE flag and quotes from President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
“I like falcons,” he said. “Falcons are a symbol of strength and endurance.”