Latest news with #FormulaRegionalEuropeanChampionship
The National
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Emirati teenager Rashid Al Dhaheri makes history with podium finish in Formula Regional European Championship
Emirati teenager Rashid Al Dhaheri made history by becoming the first driver from the Middle East to secure a podium finish in the Formula Regional European Championship. The 16-year-old snatched third spot behind Italian Matteo De Palo (Trident) and Evan Giltaire (ART Grand Prix) of France in the opening race at the Misano circuit in Italy on Sunday. 'It was a fantastic way to start the season,' Al Dhaheri said of the result that marked a significant milestone in his career. 'Standing on the podium is always special, and I'm proud to raise the UAE flag. I know it's going to be a tough season, but I'm ready to work hard and make the necessary sacrifices to keep improving and stay competitive at the top." In Qualifying Group B, Al Dhaheri delivered an impressive lap time of 1:28.525, earning him a front-row start from P3 on the race one grid. In a fiercely contested race, he held his position through the opening lap. With composure and strategic tire management, the Prema Racing driver closed the gap to the front-runners, pushing relentlessly in the final laps. His charge culminated in a near pass on the penultimate corner, crossing the finish line just 0.3 seconds behind second place. In Sunday's race two, Giltaire sealed first place ahead of Al Dhaheri's English teammate Freddie Slater and De Palo, who came home in third. There was to be no repeat of the previous day's exploits for Al Dhaheri, who was 15th. The championship continues in two weeks time with round two at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. The 10-race championship also includes contests on Formula One tracks in Barcelona, Hockenheim, the Hungaroring, Monza, Zandvoort, Imola and Red Bull Ring. Al Dhaheri's journey in motorsport began at the age of three, and he quickly rose through the ranks, winning the WSK Super Master Series and the South Garda Winter Cup in the 60 Mini category. In 2023, he made his single-seater debut with Prema Racing in the Italian F4 Championship, finishing 10th overall and taking P3 at Macau. He continued to impress in 2024, competing in the Formula 4 UAE Championship and the Euro 4 Championship. In March, it was announced Al Dhaheri had joined Mercedes as part of their Junior Driver Programme, becoming the first Middle East driver to be selected for their F1 development initiative. He described the move as "a dream come true" as he took the next step in his ultimate goal of becoming the first driver to represent the UAE in F1. George Russell, who has raced for Mercedes in F1 since 2019, is also a graduate of the programme.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
George Russell, Kimi Antonelli chill poolside in Mercedes' Miami-special suits; fans love the pink look
Image credit: Mercedes/Instagram The Mercedes team is going to don new colours at the Miami Grand Prix, and even George Russell has confirmed he's liking 'rocking the pink' as it something different and matches the vibe of the city. Mercedes unveiled the new suits for F1 via a stunning photo shoot in Miami — and they nailed it to the T. One of the pictures shows Russell and Kimi Antonelli chilling by the poolside in their new suits and joining them in front of the camera are F1 reserve driver Valtteri Bottas and Mercedes Junior team driver Doriane Pin. George Russell, Kimi Antonelli approve the new Miami suits A bunch of candid pictures of the Mercedes drivers along with other race drivers, including Doriane Pin from other championships, were shared on Instagram. The caption read: 'Dressed to impress.' The pictures show Russell and Antonelli along with Doriane Pin and Valtteri Bottas. Doriane is part of the Mercedes Junior Team. She is set to compete in the F1 Academy and the Formula Regional European Championship with Prema Racing. Bottas is the reserve driver for F1 Mercedes. The look got a thumbs-up from fans, who were all praise for them on Instagram. A fan wrote, 'I love to see the trio rocking that pink together.' Another said, 'I love that they're including Doriane in all the photos.' Commenting on how the trio was dressed from neck to toe while sitting by the poolside, a fan wrote, 'when you have a pool party at 3 but need to be on track at 5.' One more mentioned, 'Kimi is showing how to pose properly at the beach.' A comment also read: 'Mercedes understood the assignment and they smashed it.' A video showed Kimi asking George about his views on the new suits as the two posed in their new clothes. George answered, 'I like it, rocking the pink, something a bit different, Miami vibes.' Kimi added, 'yes, it's gonna be cool'. Mercedes also shared a video to tell the story of what inspired the design of the new F1 suits. It went with the caption: 'Every legacy has roots, in Miami they grow deep. Celebrating a city that's not afraid to be different, just like us.' Mercedes F1 drivers: Where they stand in the 2025 rankings George is currently in fourth spot in the F1 Driver Standings with 73 points. He has reached the podium in three out of five races. While he came third at the Australian Grand Prix and the Chinese Grand Prix, he stood second on the podium at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Also Read: Ferrari New Colours: Lewis Hamilton makes dramatic new Ferrari appearance as team reveals bold Miami Grand Prix colours Kimi Antonelli is a rookie, but one of the most talented ones this season. He is in sixth spot in the Driver Standings with 38 points. Both of them will be competing at the Miami Grand Prix, running Friday to Sunday, May 2–4. The venue is also hosting the second F1 Sprint of the season.
