Latest news with #Formula4UAEChampionship
Al Etihad
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Al Etihad
Dubai-raised Al Azhari reflects on driving roots ahead of UK stint
15 May 2025 00:29 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)At just 17 years old, Dubai's Keanu Al Azhari has taken a significant leap in his motorsport career – one that could put him on the path to Formula rising UAE driver has joined the Alpine Academy, the junior development programme in England, and is set to compete in the GB3 Championship with the Silverstone-based Hitech GP this move marks a turning point for Al Azhari, who has long been seen as one of the UAE's brightest racing prospects. Having already made a name for himself in Formula 4 over two seasons, the teenager sees his latest step as both validation of his talent and a gateway to bigger things."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."And he is thankful to Dubai Autodrome, where his career roots have been entrenched. Motorsport runs in the family. Keanu's father, Karim Al Azhari, was a regular on the local racing scene, and Keanu was immersed in the world of racing from an early age at the Autodrome and even got his racing license from there."My first memories of going to the track were at a very young age, when I was three years old, watching my dad race," he trajectory so far certainly supports that ambition. 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 Azhari is among a number of young drivers who have transitioned from karting to motorsport. That 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."He always had a passion for motorsport and the hunger to succeed in every race and it is wonderful to see that he still has that commitment," said Dubai Autodrome General Manager Faisal Al Sahlawi, who has seen Al Azhari come through the ranks."With plenty of years ahead of him, he possesses all the correct attributes to be an even better driver and become a future world motorsport champion. We hope many young drivers across the UAE can follow in his footsteps." For now, Al Azhari's focus is firmly on GB3 and proving he belongs in the upper echelons of junior motorsport. With the backing of Alpine and a competitive seat at Hitech GP, he has the tools – and the drive – to take his dream all the way to Formula One.
Gulf Today
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Today
UAE prodigy Al Azhari targets Formula 1
A young UAE motorsport driver hopes his move to Alpine Academy can help him achieve his goal of racing in Formula One in the future and praised Dubai Autodrome for its role in his development so far. Dubai Autodrome is a subsidiary of Union Properties. 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.
