Rashid Al Dhaheri continues as Mercedes junior, shows good pace in FRECA Testing at Paul Ricard

The announcement comes as the Emirati, who turns 18 on 8 April, prepares for another full campaign in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA), a key feeder series on the single-seater ladder toward Formula 1.

The season is set to begin at the end of April at the Red Bull Ring, launching an eight-round calendar across major European circuits that will run through to October.

March was dedicated to intensive preparation, with official testing sessions held across Europe against a competitive grid of around 30 drivers from 22 countries.

The first official test took place at Hockenheim, where mixed weather conditions and fluctuating grip levels created a challenging environment for teams and drivers. Despite this, Al Dhaheri delivered a strong performance.

He recorded the fastest time in the morning session and ended the day among the top five overall, signalling early competitiveness ahead of the new season.

A second test followed at Paul Ricard, where stable but windy conditions and track evolution presented a different technical challenge.

The focus remained on refining the Tatuus car setup and building consistency over longer runs, with teams gathering valuable data ahead of the opening round.

Al Dhaheri’s progression continues to be supported by his long standing relationship with Yas Heat, the motorsport programme of Yas Marina Circuit.

Since 2022, the partnership has played a central role in his transition from karting to single seaters, combining driver development through the Yas Heat Academy with competitive racing opportunities.

Beyond racing, Al Dhaheri remains actively involved as an ambassador, regularly returning to Yas Marina Circuit to engage with young drivers, support grassroots initiatives, and promote Emirati talent on the global stage.

His distinctive Yas Heat livery has become a recognisable identity across European and Asian circuits, symbolising both his national roots and his progression through international motorsport.

From 2026, Al Dhaheri has also integrated a dedicated performance programme with Athletica Cetilar, a leading sports science and medical centre based in Pisa.

The programme includes continuous physical preparation, recovery protocols, and race weekend support, with a performance coach travelling alongside him to ensure optimal conditioning and consistency.

Modern motorsport demands high levels of physical and mental resilience, with drivers subjected to intense G forces, sustained concentration, and rapid decision-making under pressure. Through structured training and psychological preparation, the programme is designed to enhance reaction times, reduce fatigue, and support long-term development at elite-level competition.

With FRECA pre-season testing complete, attention now turns to the opening round of the Formula Regional European Championship at the Red Bull Ring on April 24 to 26.

The upcoming campaign represents a crucial phase in Al Dhaheri’s development pathway, with consistent performance across the European season set to determine his progression toward the upper tiers of single-seater racing.

As Rashid immerses into the Mercedes junior programme and prepares for a full FRECA campaign, the trajectory is clear: a structured push toward the highest level of the sport.