UAE prodigy Al Azhari targets Formula 1
Dubai-based Keanu Al Azhari, 17, recently joined F1's Alpine Academy and will race for Hitech GP in the GB3 Championship this year after two seasons in Formula 4.
It is a move that he describes as a 'milestone' achievement, especially as he comes from a racing family, and he is looking forward to his latest chapter in his racing journey, hoping it can eventually lead to a seat in the pinnacle of motorsport-the F1.
'Joining Alpine is a big milestone in my career and a reflection of all the hard work that I have put in,' he said.
'I'm really proud to be part of the Alpine family, and they will help develop me during my junior single-seater career. Hopefully, this move will be another step towards reaching my career goal of reaching F1 one day, as that is my dream. It's going to be a tough few years, but I am ready to show everyone what I have now.'
Al Azhari has made an impressive start to his motorsport career. Last year, he secured four wins, nine podiums, and five pole positions, finishing runner-up in the Formula 4 Spanish Championship, while in the Formula 4 UAE Championship in the same year, he earned two wins, five podiums, and four pole positions to secure third place overall.
Before getting behind the wheel, he came through the ranks in karting at Dubai Kartdrome, where he was part of its DAKA programme and raced in some prominent competitions, including the IAME Series UAE.
His fond memories of the venue came at a very early age, having followed his father, Karim, in his motorsport journey, and he is grateful for the support he has received from Dubai Autodrome.
He said: 'The Dubai Autodrome and Kartdrome have been a big part of my life. My first memories of going to the track were at a very young age, when I was three years old, when my dad, Karim Al Azhari, was racing in local competitions. After finishing my karting career, it was the place where I learned how to drive a racing car and got my racing licence.
'I have taken to the track and driven in so many different layouts of the track, which have helped me develop before I went into the Formula 4 European Series races. I'm really grateful for their support, as they have played a big role in my journey today.'
Al Azhari is among a number of young drivers who have transitioned from karting to motorsport, having tested themselves at Dubai Kartdrome.
The list includes UAE's Rashid Al Dhaheri, former Dubai Kartdrome O Plate champion, who recently joined Mercedes' Junior Driver Programme, Zack Scoular, competing in British GB3, Jamie Day, an ex-karting champion and part of the Aston Martin drivers' junior team in European Endurance GT3, Edward Jones, who finished third in Indy 500, and Federico Rifai, a multiple-karting champion and former Saudi F4 winner.
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