Saturday, August 9: Team Abu Dhabi proudly announced that Mansoor Al Mansoori will be stepping up as the team’s new driver in the prestigious Formula One Powerboat category in this year’s F1H2O World Championship.

Following careful internal evaluation, the team has decided to give this opportunity to Mansoor, who is currently one of Team Abu Dhabi’s official drivers in the Formula 2 category. This move is part of a broader team strategy aimed at promoting in-house talent and testing their potential at the highest level of competition.

A similar opportunity was previously offered to Rashid Al Qemzi, who also competes for Team Abu Dhabi in F2. With five world titles to his name, Rashid has established himself as one of the most dominant and consistent drivers in the history of the category. For this reason, the team felt it was important to preserve his leadership role in F2, where his presence remains a key asset to their championship ambitions.

Team Abu Dhabi outlined that the decision to give Mansoor this chance is a recognition of his commitment and progress, as well as a valuable opportunity to assess how he performs in the F1 category. The team has highlighted their strong confidence in his capabilities and is committed to closely supporting his journey.

“Mansoor has shown great determination in F2, and we believe it is the right time to test him in F1. At the same time, keeping Rashid in F2 was a strategic choice – his experience and competitive strength are vital to our continued success in that class.” Said Guido Cappellini, Team Manager of Abu Dhabi

Mansoor’s ascension to the highest ranks of the sport follows the retirement of Thani Al Qamzi from professional racing. After 25 years of racing at the highest level, racking up a hugely impressive 158 race starts, Al Qamzi established himself as a sure fixture for F1H2O races year after year.

Nicolo di San Germano, F1H2O President and Founder, expressed his sadness at seeing such a long-standing driver bowing out, adding: “After a quarter of a century of racing, the World Championship just won’t feel the same without him. From all of us at F1H2O, we are incredibly grateful for the countless great moments Al Qamzii has given us throughout the years. We all wish him the best with his new adventures”.