Aqil Alibhai

16 year old Aqil Alibhai has signed with Virtuosi Racing to compete in British Formula 4. Image via Twitter @feeder_series

Aqil Alibhai is flying the South African flag high at British F4 Championships

16-year-old South African Aqil Alibhai signs with Virtuosi racing for their second season to partake in the 2023 British F4 Championship.

Aqil Alibhai

16 year old Aqil Alibhai has signed with Virtuosi Racing to compete in British Formula 4. Image via Twitter @feeder_series

16-year-old South African Aqil Alibhai signs with Virtuosi racing for their second season to partake in the 2023 British F4 Championships.

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What is Formula 4?

Formula 4 is the bridge between karting into single seaters for young drivers. It is part of the Federation Internationale de I’Automobile (FIA) banner and associated safety regulations. Successful drivers may gain entry into Formula 3 and beyond.

As a skills development arena, the engines are equalised so that no Formula 4 championship outpaces another. Secondly, the chassis used is also homologated. Due to the high cost being a barrier to entry into the sport, the aim is to limit costs to 100,000 euros, or just shy of R2 million.

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Who is Aqil Alibhai?

Despite being young he has spent over a decade behind the wheel. Alibhai, who was born and raised in Gauteng aims to be a Formula 1 driver one day.

With his father having raced motorbikes and his late brother also being a racing driver he has been around racing his whole life. Currently, he is balancing his racing career with online schooling and trips abroad.

Thus far he has had an impressive career. Most notably, he was the Rotax Junior Max African Open Champion in 2018 and 2019.

He represented South Africa in the Rotax Max World Finals and the 2020 Rok Cup Superfinal. Since 2021, Alibhai has competed in the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championships.

His success there gained him entry into the 2022 GB4 Championship season finale where he made his single-seater debut.

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Who are Virtuosi Racing?

Debuting in the 2022 season with two cars in the Formula 4 circuit they are back in 2023. This year with an extra car and associated rider.

Their aim is to provide up-and-coming riders with experience and support in the 2023 British F4 Championship which kicks off in April.

Douwe Dedecker and Kai Daryanani will join Aqil Alibhai on the team for the season.

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