Hitech has been the first team to reveal its complete lineup for the 2027 FIA Formula 3 Championship. Rookie Keanu Al Azhari, along with second-year driver Kanato Le, joins returning driver Michael Shin. All three have a notable history with Hitech, where they have progressed over time.
This announcement implies that the two drivers who were still with Hitech in 2026, Jin Nakamura and Fionn McLaughlin, will have to seek other opportunities to continue competing in F3.
After two years in Formula 4, where he finished as runner-up in the Spanish championship, Al Azhari joined the Hitech team in GB3 in 2025, achieving a victory and six podiums, as well as three poles, culminating the season in sixth place in the championship.
This season, he has continued with the British team, moving to Eurocup-3, where he started the year by winning the Eurocup-3 Winter Championship title in Spain. Currently, the Emirati occupies third place in the standings with a victory in his category.
Al Azhari, a member of the Academy of Alpine since March 2025, has expressed his pride and honor in representing his country in this Formula 1 support program. “Being the first driver from the United Arab Emirates to compete in FIA F3 is a great achievement that makes me feel immensely proud,” he stated.
On his part, F3 team director Paul Bellringer has highlighted Al Azhari’s growth over the last two seasons: “We have worked closely with him and have seen how much he has evolved during this time.”
Regarding Kanato Le, he joins Hitech from ART Grand Prix for his second season in F3. Le knows the team well, having competed previously in British Formula 4, finishing seventh in the championship with two victories.
Le commented that Hitech is “a team I know very well and I am excited to be back. I trust that we will have a great season together.” Bellringer added that “Kanato has shown good natural potential and has gained experience in the last seasons.”
Hitech’s lineup will be completed by Michael Shin, who returns after a first season in FIA F3 without points, with a best result of 18th in the sprint race in Monaco. Shin commented that he felt he could continue improving and that staying one more year with the team would help him better familiarize with the championship’s demands.
In conclusion, Bellringer believes that this combination of drivers offers a good mix of talent and experience, and he looks forward to working with all three for the new season.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
