Outside Line: Journey with Rashid Al Dhaheri continues. And we're off to a good start!

Many boxes have been ticked over the years by Rashid, following the tried and traditional route to Formula 1, which is the ultimate goal. From excelling in karting at international level, he transitioned to car racing, namely Formula 4, last year. A season among the world's top youngsters in the FRECA series as well as the one-off Macau Grand Prix, provided valuable schooling for the Emirati, setting the stage for 2026, where expectations are high for the Mercedes Junior. 

We will again be following Rashid's adventures in FRECA and other races/ series he will contest this year. And, I am happy to report that the season got off to the best start possible.

This past weekend, Rashid delivered a landmark home victory in Round 1 of the 2026 Formula Regional Middle East Trophy at Yas Marina Circuit, becoming the first MENA driver to win a Formula Regional race. The triumph came at the venue where his motorsport journey began, in front of home fans, partners and family.

This is what Formula Middle East media wrote in their race report: "A dramatic Sunday brought the opening round of the 2026 Formula Regional Middle East Trophy and UAE4 Series to a close at Yas Marina Circuit, with local hero Rashid Al Dhaheri and Oleksandr Bondarev emerging as the early points leaders following the first competitive weekend of the season."

The report continued: "The 17-year-old Abu Dhabi native Al Dhaheri,  a junior driver with Mercedes F1 Team, hails from just minutes away from Yas Marina. The R-ACE GP driver kept everything firmly under control to secure victory in the third race of the weekend, leading home Pinnacle Motorsport’s American driver Alex Powell. Singaporean Christian Ho completed the podium in third, rounding off a strong day that began with victory in the second race.

"The results leave Al Dhaheri leading the championship standings after finishing second in Saturday’s opening race. He holds a nine-point advantage over Ho, with Abkhazava a further 11 points adrift in third heading into next weekend’s second round, which will again be held at Yas Marina," the report added.

Speaking to reporters after the race, Rashid said: “Winning here at Yas Marina Circuit, where it all began for me, in front of my home fans and family, this victory means everything. The hard work and preparation over the winter paid off. I am profoundly grateful to R ace GP, to my partners, and to my family. This trophy belongs to all of us.”

The championship remains at Yas Marina Circuit from 23 to 25 January before moving to Dubai Autodrome from 30 January to 1 February, with the season finale at Lusail International Circuit from 11 to 13 February.

To Rashid, his family, his team and his fans, from all at GRANDPRIX247, may you have a great season. Be safe and win many races! We will be watching!