Hamda Al Qubaisi to make F4 UAE return

Abu Dhabi Racing's Hamda Al Qubaisi returns to the UAE Formula 4 Championship - the series that saw her maiden race victory in 2020 - in a realistic title assault.

Photo credits: racers-behindthehelmet.com

Emirati 18-year old racer Hamda Al Qubaisi will make her return to the F4 UAE Championship, in her attempt to assault the title this winter.

After making her full-time F4 switch in 2020 in the same category, Hamda went on to compete in her rookie season of Italian Formula 4 - one of the most competitive international feeder series.

The young lady from Abu Dhabi, sister of fellow F4 race-winner Amna and daughter of experienced GT racer and Le Mans veteran Khaled Al Qubaisi, impressed last year when, after only two formula races under her belt, she scored 7 pole positions, 6 fastest laps, 12 podium finishes and three race victories in the winter series.

Hamda would later add three more top-ten in the Italian and German based championships.

"I think the season went really well, considering Covid and the five months break that we had", she told us to sum up her first full season in single seaters.

"It started off really hard for us, but then we had a lot of progression throughout the season and we got some points and finished in the top-10 a few times."

The pandemic-related travel restrictions proved to be an extra challenge for the Arab talent, who nonetheless managed to complete her racing program with Abu Dhabi Racing by Iron Lynx and showed constant improvements throughout the season, which often meant travelling to new race tracks and in adverse weather conditions.

"I definitely expected a bit more, but it was really a tough championship and for next year we're even more prepared. There were a lot of ups and downs - it pushed me physically and mentally, so it would really help me for next season and I think we'll be doing even better."

"With my parents and sponsors' help we did the season, which was another big thing for me because I was wishing to do it for such a long time and when I finally did it, it was an amazing experience and I enjoyed it a lot. I hope to do even better for next year and we're looking forward to that."

2021 will thus start with a busy 5-week program for Hamda Al Qubaisi, as she returns to the Prema-operated Abu Dhabi Racing team for a compressed F4 UAE schedule.

The five rounds - all featuring a four-header format - is set to get underway on 14th January on the Dubai Autodrome, as a supporting event of the 24 Hour race.

Strong from her fourth place in the overall standings in 2020, Hamda Al Qubaisi can now realistically aim at the title.

Abu Dhabi Racing is also expected to announce a 3-car entry in the F3 Asian Championship.

2021 F4 UAE Calendar:

14-15 January, Dubai Autodrome

21-23 January, Yas Marina Circuit

28-30 January, Dubai Autodrome

4-6 February, Yas Marina Circuit

11-13 February, Dubai Autodrome