Rashid Al Dhaheri Caps European Campaign With Hockenheim Podium
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) published on September 14, 2026 | 02:53 PM
Hockenheim, Germany (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM – 14th Sep, 2026)
Emirati racing driver Rashid Al Dhaheri has capped an impressive 2026 FIA Formula Regional European Championship campaign with a podium finish at Hockenheim, taking third place in the penultimate race of the season and securing his eighth podium of the year.
The 18-year-old Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Junior Driver concluded the championship fourth overall, following a season in which he claimed three victories, eight podiums, one pole position, and a fastest lap. He also became the first Emirati driver to lead the FIA Formula Regional European Championship standings.
Al Dhaheri represented the
UAE
as the only Emirati on the 30-car grid, which featured drivers from 20 nationalities across eight rounds at some of
Europe
’s most iconic circuits.
From the opening round at Austria’s Red Bull Ring, Al Dhaheri established himself as a championship contender, finishing second in the opening race and winning Race 2. He continued his strong form at Spa-Francorchamps with second and third places, and also recorded the fastest lap.
Highlights of his season include:
- Monza: Starting eighth, he fought his way through the field to claim victory at the legendary Italian circuit.
- Hungaroring: He finished second in Race 1, secured his maiden FIA Formula Regional European Championship pole position, and won Race 2.
Despite challenging weekends later in the season, Al Dhaheri remained in the title fight until the final round in Hockenheim. His third-place finish there secured his eighth podium and kept his championship challenge alive into the final day. He concluded the European campaign fourth overall after Sunday’s season finale.
Across the eight-round championship, he recorded victories at the Red Bull Ring, Monza, and Hungaroring, along with eight podiums, one pole position, and a fastest lap, marking another significant milestone for UAE motorsport.
Al Dhaheri’s 2026 programme will now shift to Asia for the FIA Formula Regional World Cup at the Macau Grand Prix from November 19-22, held on the legendary Guia street circuit. This event is considered one of the most prestigious and demanding in junior international motorsport.
As a member of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Junior Programme, Al Dhaheri continues to make strides in his racing career.
