A rising star in UAE motorsport is accelerating toward his Formula One dreams after securing a career-changing opportunity with one of racing's elite development programs.
Seventeen-year-old Keanu Al Azhari, Dubai's latest motorsport sensation, has taken a giant leap toward the pinnacle of racing by joining the prestigious Alpine Academy while preparing for his GB3 Championship debut with Hitech GP this season. This exciting development follows two impressive years honing his skills in Formula 4 competitions.
The young Emirati driver describes this breakthrough as more than just a career milestone - it's the realization of a family legacy and the next crucial step in his journey to motorsport's grandest stage. With determination burning brighter than desert sun, Al Azhari is ready to prove he belongs among racing's future elite.
"Becoming part of the Alpine family represents everything I've worked for since first sitting behind a wheel," said an enthusiastic Al Azhari. "This isn't just another team - it's an institution that shapes champions. Their guidance through my junior single-seater career could be my ticket to achieving what every young racer dreams about: competing in Formula One."
The statistics reveal why Alpine invested in this Middle Eastern talent. During his breakout 2023 season, Al Azhari dominated tracks across two continents - claiming four victories, nine podium finishes and five pole positions to secure second place in Spain's ultra-competitive Formula 4 Championship. Earlier that same year on home asphalt, he powered to third overall in the UAE Formula 4 series with two wins and five podiums.
His need for speed began much earlier at Dubai Kartdrome, where he cut his teeth in their renowned DAKA program before graduating to international karting competitions like the IAME Series UAE. These formative experiences built the foundation for what promises to be an extraordinary career.
The Autodrome holds special significance for this second-generation racer who literally grew up at its facilities watching father Karim compete locally before beginning his own journey there as a three-year-old enthusiast turned professional prospect.
