Mashable: "I would like to show the West that we are a modern evolving nation."

Abu Dhabi is becoming a hub for Formula 1 races, and its success has resulted in the rise of homegrown talent Rashid Al Dhaheri.

At merely 15, Al Dhaheri is still a school-going student whose career has begun to change after his Prema Racing in Imola, Italy, debut. The young star got enough points during the Italian Formula 4 Championship’s first round to make it big.

Speaking to The National, Al Dhaheri says his dream is to inspire young Arabs and ensure UAE becomes one of the top contenders in Formula One racing. “My ultimate dream is to reach F1 with the help of my country,” Al Dhaheri told the publication. “I would like to show the West that we are a modern evolving nation which achieves amazing results through hard work and dedication.”

On the F4 grid, Al Dhaheri faced a driver a year or two senior, having years of experience in the series. Some are from affluent families of already established F1 drivers and teams. “I'm aware that I'm the youngest driver on the grid, but I fight for each position,” he elaborates.

of round 1 - @CIFormula4 #F4 Italian Championship
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.#prema #racing #yasheatracing #huawei #formula4 #uae #abudhabi #dubai #الامارات #ابوظبي #دبي I pic.twitter.com/aslNUSljGV

— Rashid Al Dhaheri (@aldhaherirashid) April 26, 2023
When discussing what it takes to be there, Al Dhaheri says he will make sacrifices to “show that everything is possible and inspire young Arabs to set their goals and work hard knowing that they, too, can achieve them.”

Fernando Alonso, the two-time F1 champion, who he met during Abu Dhabi 2011 circuit, is his favourite. Since then, they have met on multiple occasions, and Alonso “has always been kind.”

Champions start young, and Al Dhaheri began the sport when merely six-year-old with karting. He discovered his love for the sport at a much younger age of three when his parents took him to watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, he believes it would not be possible without the support of the UAE’s government.

First  in F4!
Made it to P3 Rookie! #prema #eacing #yasheatracing #uae #abudhabi #dubai #ksa #qatar #bahrain #kuwait #sport #car #rashidaldhaheri#الامارات #ابوظبي #دبي #ابوظبي #السعودية #الكويت #قطر #البحرين #رياضة pic.twitter.com/nxioKDJ3WQ

— Rashid Al Dhaheri (@aldhaherirashid) April 23, 2023
“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 told The National. “I am extremely grateful that our leaders trusted in me and gave me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by supporting my formula racing.”

His journey, since then, had many ups and downs, including the time when he first began karting. “It just inspired me to work even harder to reach my goal,” he said. “In the GCC, we currently 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.”

Since 2013, Al Dhaheri has been training in Italy before he moved to Al Ain Raceway for the 2013-14 UAE Championship. He was a runner-up then. Following that, he won five-time Dubai Kartdrome O-Plate championship five times, the Macao International Kart Grand Prix Championship and the World Series of Karting championship. In 2019, he moved to Italy to save travelling time.

Decent race weekend in Italy! 33 drivers from 19 countries raced on the Misano track. Happy with Quali 1 & 2, despite DNS in Race 2. Collected good points in races 1 & 3 and made it to the Rookie Podium. Next up: Spa-Francorchamps in 3 weeks.Thanks to my team for a great weekend! pic.twitter.com/KEO2v4xGeA

— Rashid Al Dhaheri (@aldhaherirashid) May 9, 2023

To pay homage to his Emirati heritage, his helmet features UAE's falcon, their national flag and quotes from President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

“I like falcons. They are beautiful, sharp and smart,” said Al Dhaheri. “Falcons are a symbol of strength and endurance. I enjoy watching them when they spot their prey and attack with speed and precision, just like something I try to do at the track.”