Dubai: Seventeen-year-old UAE motorsport talent Keanu Al-Azhari has taken a major step in his racing career by joining the prestigious Alpine Academy, fueling his ambition to one day compete in Formula 1.
Based in Dubai, Al-Azhari will race for Hitech GP in the GB3 Championship this season after spending two successful years in Formula 4.
He praised the Dubai Autodrome, a key motorsport hub under Union Properties for its pivotal role in shaping his development, from karting days to earning his racing license.
Al-Azhari, who hails from a racing family, called his move to Alpine a significant milestone, recognizing it as a result of years of dedication and performance on the track.
His 2023 season highlighted his rising potential, with standout results including four wins, nine podiums, and five pole positions to finish runner-up in the Formula 4 Spanish Championship, alongside a third-place finish in the Formula 4 UAE Championship.
Having started karting at Dubai Kartdrome as part of the DAKA program and competing in top-tier regional karting events, Al-Azhari credits the venue for nurturing his early skills and passion, which he inherited from his father, Karim Al-Azhari, a prominent local racer.
Reflecting on his journey, he emphasized the importance of local support systems like Dubai Autodrome, which has also nurtured other rising stars such as Rashid Al-Dhaheri (now in Mercedes’ Junior Driver Program), Zack Scoular, Jamie Day, Edward Jones, and Federico Rifai.
Dubai Autodrome General Manager Faisal Al-Sahlawi expressed pride in Al-Azhari’s achievements, calling his ascent a reflection of the venue’s mission to cultivate world-class motorsport talent in the UAE.
As Al-Azhari steps into this new chapter with Alpine, he remains focused on his long-term goal: earning a coveted seat in Formula 1 and making the UAE proud on the global stage.
