UAE’s Keanu Al Azhari Joins Alpine Academy, Aiming For Formula 1 Success

At 17, Keanu Al Azhari has made a significant leap in his motorsport career by joining the Alpine Academy and is set to compete in the GB3 Championship with Hitech GP. This move marks a pivotal moment for the young driver, hailing from a family with a deep-rooted passion for racing. Al Azhari's aspirations aim high as he sets his sights on Formula One, viewing his progression into the Alpine Academy as a crucial step towards fulfilling his dream.

"I’m really proud to be part of the Alpine family, and they will help develop me during my junior single-seater career. Hopefully, this move will be another step towards reaching my career goal of reaching F1 one day, as that is my dream. It’s going to be a tough few years, but I am ready to show everyone what I have now," Al Azhari expressed, highlighting the importance of this transition in his journey towards the apex of motorsport.

Al Azhari's roots in racing trace back to his early days at the Dubai Kartdrome, where his dedication and skill began to shine. Through the DAKA program and significant competitions like the IAME Series UAE, he honed his craft before advancing to more challenging arenas. His journey from karting to motorsport is a tale of dedication and progress, with Al Azhari crediting the Dubai Autodrome and Kartdrome for playing a substantial role in his development.

"The Dubai Autodrome and Kartdrome have been a big part of my life. My first memories of going to the track were at a very young age when I was three years old when my dad, Karim Al Azhari, was racing in local competitions. After finishing my karting career, it was the place where I learned how to drive a racing car and got my racing licence," Al Azhari shared, reflecting on the influence of his father, Karim, and the foundational role the Dubai Autodrome has played in his growth as a racer.

Al Azhari's progression is not an isolated case but part of a broader pattern of young talents emerging from the UAE, many of whom started their journey at Dubai Kartdrome. Notable names include Rashid Al Dhaheri, now part of Mercedes' Junior Driver Programme, and others like Zack Scoular, Jamie Day, Edward Jones, and Federico Rifai, who have found success in various international motorsport disciplines. This pattern underscores the Dubai Autodrome's capacity to nurture and catapult young drivers onto the global stage.

Faisal Al Sahlawi, General Manager of Dubai Autodrome, commended Al Azhari's achievements and the facility's role in molding future champions. "We are extremely pleased to see how far Keanu Al Azhari has come so early in his career, and we are delighted Dubai Autodrome has played a key role in helping make him the driver he is today," said Al Sahlawi.

Al Azhari's recent accomplishments, including four wins and nine podiums in the Formula 4 Spanish Championship, alongside his success in the Formula 4 UAE Championship, are testament to his growing prowess on the track. These achievements not only highlight his potential but also reflect the high calibre of training and support provided by the Dubai Autodrome.

"We hope many young drivers across the UAE can follow in his footsteps and begin their motorsport journey with Dubai Autodrome," Al Sahlawi added, envisioning a bright future for motorsport in the UAE, inspired by Al Azhari's journey.

Keanu Al Azhari's affiliation with the Alpine Academy and his transition to the GB3 Championship signify a major milestone in his budding motorsport career. With a background deeply ingrained in racing and the invaluable support from the Dubai Autodrome, he is on a promising path towards achieving his Formula One aspirations.