Photo: Courtesy of FIA Formula 3
Emirati Formula 4 and Formula regional driver, Hamda Al Qubaisi is all geared up to take part in the Formula 3 test on September 16 at Magny-Cours, France.
The 20-year-old will be testing for the full day with the goal to introduce herself to the F3 category and familiarize herself with the demands and challenges of its environment. Al Qubaisi is part of a diversity initiative that was launched to give better access to the FIA single-seater pyramid to more female drivers.
Credited as one of the most exceptional and competitive female racers, Al Qubaisi was the first and only woman to secure the maiden overall podium finish in the Italian Formula 4 Championship in 2021. Kicking off into her racing venture with go-karting, she advanced to single-seaters in 2019 and went on to seize the podium finishes in 2020 and 2021. Furthermore, she has also had two successful campaigns in the F4 UAE Championship, with six wins, which is the most secured by a woman in F4 globally and has several feathers to her hat, including two overall fourth-place finishes in the series.
Photo: Courtesy of FIA Formula 3
While understanding the challenges the test brings, Al Qubaisi expressed her excitement for the one-day test race. She said, “I’m thrilled to be invited by the FIA F3 promoters to take part in this high-profile test. It is a very strong message in acknowledging female drivers and I would personally like to thank Bruno Michel for the opportunity. It means a lot to be acknowledged for my efforts and achievements in motorsports and offered the chance to test this amazing machine. It is a natural progression in my career, and I aspire to drive in this championship next season, if all goes well.” The young racer also said she was working on her physical fitness to maneuver the car better as it had more downforce and power than her current car and said she hoped to inspire young, aspiring racers all around the globe. Al Qubaisi shared that determination and focus will get one to their destination.
Photo: Courtesy of FIA Formula 3
Al Qubaisi comes from a family of celebrated racers including her father, Khaled Al Qubaisi, one of the most distinguished personalities in UAE motorsport, and sister Amna Al Qubaisi, who is in Formula 3 and a member of the champion PREMA Team.
Al Qubaisi’s father, who is also her manager expressed his happiness at the opportunity and said, “Hamda has a bright future in motor racing. It makes me very proud that my daughter, an Emirati female driver, is racing professionally and acting as an inspiration for women across the region.” He added, “With Hamda competing at this level, she is taking the family’s motor racing legacy to a new level. This is an incredibly positive message from the UAE, the region and Arab nations. I truly believe that Hamda is on her way to becoming a strong role model for a new generation of racing drivers.”
Bruno Michel, CEO of the FIA Formula 3 commented on the initiative and said that the main aim of the championship is to include more female racers and foster a sense of diversity. “It’s very important to us to ensure that more and more female drivers join our championship. Diversity is one of our key discussions regarding the future of motorsport,” he said.
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