Rashid Al Dhaheri experienced gained on Formula 1 circuits

At the Spielberg round of the 2025 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA), Al Dhaheri faced technical setbacks early in the weekend, with Thursday’s test runs disrupted by car issues. Once resolved, he showed promising speed, running P5 on fresh tyres and P6 overall on new sets. Friday’s practice was encouraging, highlighted by a strong long-run pace in race simulations.

Qualifying proved tougher, with lingering car problems leaving him P5 in his group. Race 1 delivered a steady drive to P8 and championship points.

On Sunday, he managed P6 in his qualifying group in wet conditions, before finishing P11 in Race 2 after competitive wheel-to-wheel battles. Despite difficulties, the Emirati driver displayed composure and consistency throughout the weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix venue.

Two weeks later, at the Spanish Grand Prix venue in Barcelona, Al Dhaheri immediately found rhythm. On old tyres in Free Practice 1 he was third overall, underlining his adaptability. Switching to fresh tyres, the team tested pressure variations, keeping focus on setup refinement.

Saturday qualifying saw him P4 in his group. Race 1 was static, but Sunday delivered far more action. Qualifying P2 in his group and P3 overall, he was set for a podium push until contact with a rival disrupted the race. Recovering, he crossed the line in fifth, adding important points.

The 17-year-old from Abu Dhabi continues to build momentum in his rookie Formula Regional season, showing maturity against a competitive field. With every lap at circuits like the Red Bull Ring and Barcelona forming part of the ladder to Formula 1, the learning curve remains steep but encouraging.

Next on Al Dhaheri’s calendar are rounds at Hockenheim from 3–5 October and Monza from 24–26 October, as his steady development within the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Junior Driver programme continues.