A review of the 2026 FRME Trophy: Nakamura-Berta beats Al Dhaheri to title after close competition across four rounds

The 2026 Formula Regional Middle East (FRME) Trophy season was an intense and thrilling campaign, full of unexpected twists, exceptional performances, and dramatic showdowns. Over the course of four rounds, the championship unfolded in a highly competitive field, where raw speed, strategic decisions, and nerves of steel proved to be decisive.

Kean Nakamura-Berta emerged as the star of the season, clinching the Drivers’ Championship in a dominant yet composed manner, culminating in a thrilling finale at Lusail. While Nakamura-Berta’s triumph captivated the headlines, other drivers, like Rashid Al Dhaheri, Sebastian Wheldon, and Alex Powell, showcased remarkable resilience and skill, further elevating the championship’s competitiveness.

Behind these drivers was the consistent teamwork of Mumbai Falcons Racing, who secured the Teams’ Championship through a combination of strategy, skill, and timely performances. This summary delves into Nakamura-Berta’s remarkable journey to the title, highlights other stand-out performers of the season, and examines the crucial role of Mumbai Falcons in securing the coveted Teams’ Championship.

2026 FRME Round 1: Yas Marina: Al Dhaheri takes early lead after dramatic opening round

The 2026 FRME season kicked off at Yas Marina with a thrilling and chaotic opening round that showcased both raw speed and strategic depth. Alexander Abkhazava claimed pole in the debut of the Tatuus F3 T-326, securing a commanding win in Race 1, holding off Rashid Al Dhaheri in a tense final lap. However, Race 2 descended into chaos, with multiple Safety Cars, a red flag, and strategic battles shaping the outcome. Christian Ho seized the opportunity, capitalising on the disruptions to claim his first victory of the season.

Race 3 brought more drama, with Al Dhaheri dominating from pole to flag. Despite interruptions, including a red flag caused by Giovanni Maschio’s heavy crash, Al Dhaheri’s composure ensured a dominant finish. Alex Powell and Ho completed the podium, with both drivers showing impressive resilience throughout the weekend.

The standings after Round 1 reflect the mixed fortunes of the weekend. Al Dhaheri led the Drivers’ Championship with 53 points, closely followed by Christian Ho on 44. Abkhazava held third with 33 points, while Maximilian Popov led the Rookie Cup with 52 points. MP Motorsport topped the Teams’ Championship with 77 points, with R-ace GP in second on 54. Overall, the round revealed a finely balanced field, where adaptability under pressure proved just as important as raw pace.

Summary of Results:

• Race 1: Alexander Abkhazava
• Race 2: Christian Ho
• Race 3: Rashid Al Dhaheri

Driver Standings after Round 1

1. Rashid Al Dhaheri – 53 points
2. Christian Ho – 44 points
3. Alexander Abkhazava – 33 points
4. Maximilian Popov – 27 points
5. Alex Powell – 26 points
6. Kean Nakamura-Berta – 22 points
7. Alex Ninovic – 21 points
8. Miguel Costa – 19 points
9. Salim Hanna – 12 points
   Kabir Anurag – 12 points
10. Taito Kato – 10 points
11. Zhenrui Chi – 7 points
12. Francisco Macedo – 6 points
13. Andrija Kostic – 4 points
14. Maxim Rehm – 2 points
    Artem Severiukhin – 2 points
15. Gerrard Xie – 1 point
    Yuki Sano – 1 point

Rookie Standings after Round 1

1. Maximilian Popov – 52 points
2. Alex Powell – 40 points
3. Miguel Costa – 35 points
4. Kean Nakamura-Berta – 33 points
5. Kabir Anurag – 26 points
6. Salim Hanna – 26 points
7. Artem Severiukhin – 20 points
8. Andrija Kostic – 18 points
9. Sebastian Wheldon – 14 points
10. Andre Dupé – 13 points
11. Maxim Rehm – 12 points
12. Jan Przyrowski – 12 points
13. Jules Roussel – 5 points
14. Yuhao Fu – 2 points
15. August Raber – 1 point

Team Standings after Round 1

Ahead of each event, each team nominated two drivers who accumulated the teams’ points

1. MP Motorsport – 77 points
2. R-ace GP – 54 points
3. Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited – 34 points
4. Trident – 31 points
5. Pinnacle Motorsport – 26 points
6. ART Grand Prix – 22 points
7. Rodin Motorsport – 21 points
8. RPM – 19 points
9. CL Motorsport – 7 points
10. Van Amersfoort Racing – 6 points
11. G4 Racing – 2 points

2026 FRME Round 2: Yas Marina: Al Dhaheri dominates Yas Marina to extend Championship Lead and Nakamura-Berta shows potential

Rashid Al Dhaheri extended his lead in the 2026 Formula Regional Middle East (FRME) Trophy with a dominant performance at Yas Marina. In Qualifying 1, Al Dhaheri narrowly missed out on pole to Kean Nakamura-Berta, who set the fastest lap in the final stages. In Qualifying 2, Sebastian Wheldon capitalised on a red-flag interruption to claim pole for Race 3, with Nakamura-Berta again qualifying second.

Race 1 saw Al Dhaheri take control from the start, passing Nakamura-Berta at Turn 1 and managing the race despite pressure and track-limit warnings. A red flag, triggered by a crash involving Alceu Feldmann Neto, did little to disrupt Al Dhaheri’s rhythm. He took the victory ahead of Nakamura-Berta, while Alex Powell secured a strong third.

In Race 2, Alex Ninovic triumphed in tricky mixed conditions, overtaking Jan Przyrowski on the opening lap and controlling the race despite a late Safety Car period. He claimed his first FRME win, with Przyrowski and Maximilian Popov rounding out the podium.

Race 3 was again marred by Safety Cars, but Al Dhaheri held firm to secure his second victory of the weekend. He maintained his composure under pressure from Nakamura-Berta, who finished second, with Wheldon completing the podium.

Al Dhaheri’s impressive results put him on 103 points, while R-ace GP moved into the lead in the Teams’ Championship. Nakamura-Berta, with consistent finishes, rose to second in the Drivers’ standings.

Summary of Results:

• Race 1: Rashid Al Dhaheri
• Race 2: Alex Ninovic
• Race 3: Rashid Al Dhaheri

Driver Standings after Round 2

1. Rashid Al Dhaheri – 103 points
2. Kean Nakamura-Berta – 68 points
3. Alex Powell – 49 points
4. Alexander Abkhazava – 46 points
   Maximilian Popov – 46 points
   Alex Ninovic – 46 points
5. Christian Ho – 44 points
6. Kabir Anurag – 38 points
7. Sebastian Wheldon – 33 points
8. Miguel Costa – 26 points
9. Yuki Sano – 23 points
10. Jan Przyrowski – 18 points
11. Artem Severiukhin – 14 points
    Taito Kato – 14 points
12. Salim Hanna – 12 points
13. Zhenrui Chi – 8 points
    Francisco Macedo – 8 points
14. Andrija Kostic – 4 points
15. Maxim Rehm – 2 points
    Reza Seewooruthun – 2 points
16. Gerrard Xie – 1 point
    Jules Roussel – 1 point

Rookie Standings after Round 2

1. Kean Nakamura-Berta – 95 points
2. Maximilian Popov – 78 points
3. Alex Powell – 70 points
4. Kabir Anurag – 65 points
5. Miguel Costa – 53 points
6. Sebastian Wheldon – 48 points
7. Artem Severiukhin – 47 points
8. Jan Przyrowski – 47 points
9. Salim Hanna – 26 points
10. Andrea Dupé – 19 points
11. Andrija Kostic – 18 points
12. Jules Roussel – 16 points
13. Maxim Rehm – 15 points
14. August Raber – 4 points
    Matheo Giaccardi – 4 points
15. Yuhao Fu – 3 points
16. Enea Frey – 2 points

Team Standings after Round 2

Ahead of each event, each team nominated two drivers who accumulated the teams’ points

1. R-ace GP – 132 points
2. Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited – 101 points
3. MP Motorsport – 90 points
4. ART Grand Prix – 52 points
5. Trident – 50 points
6. Pinnacle Motorsport – 49 points
7. Rodin Motorsport – 48 points
8. RPM – 44 points
9. G4 Racing – 15 points
10. CL Motorsport – 8 points
    Van Amersfoort Racing – 8 points

2026 FRME Round 3: Dubai: Abkhazava dominates in Dubai as Hanna and Kato secure key wins

The third round of the 2026 Formula Regional Middle East (FRME) Trophy at Dubai Autodrome featured intense racing and dramatic shifts in the standings. In Qualifying, Taito Kato secured pole for Race 1, while Alex Powell claimed the top spot for Race 2 after a red-flag-hit session.

Race 1 saw Kato convert his pole position into a dominant victory, maintaining a comfortable lead throughout the race. Alexander Abkhazava and Kean Nakamura-Berta rounded out the podium after strong performances, with Rashid Al Dhaheri finishing just outside the top four.

In Race 2, Salim Hanna capitalised on a reverse-grid start to claim his first FRME victory. A race heavily influenced by multiple Safety Car periods and retirements, Hanna held steady at the front despite constant pressure from Alex Ninovic and Jan Przyrowski, who completed the podium.

Race 3 was marked by Alexander Abkhazava’s flag-to-flag victory. After pole-sitter Alex Powell failed to start, Abkhazava took full advantage of clean air to lead every lap. Late-race battles saw Kean Nakamura-Berta finish second, securing rookie honours, with Emanuele Olivieri completing the podium. Penalties for other drivers reshuffled the finishing order, but Abkhazava’s control at the front remained unchallenged.

After Round 3, Rashid Al Dhaheri extended his lead in the Drivers’ Championship, while Kean Nakamura-Berta remained at the forefront of the Rookie Cup. R-ace GP moved into the lead in the Teams’ Championship, but the competition continued to intensify as the season entered its finale.

Summary of Results:

• Race 1: Taito Kato
• Race 2: Salim Hanna
• Race 3: Alexander Abkhazava

Driver Standings after Round 3

1. Rashid Al Dhaheri – 125 points
2. Kean Nakamura-Berta – 101 points
3. Alexander Abkhazava – 95 points
4. Maximilian Popov – 68 points
5. Alex Ninovic – 66 points
6. Alex Powell – 49 points
   Taito Kato – 49 points
7. Jan Przyrowski – 46 points
8. Salim Hanna – 45 points
9. Christian Ho – 44 points
10. Kabir Anurag – 40 points
11. Sebastian Wheldon – 35 points
12. Yuki Sano – 31 points
13. Miguel Costa – 26 points
14. Emanuele Olivieri 0 21 points
15. Zhenrui Chi – 20 points
16. Artem Severiukhin – 14 points
17. Francisco Macedo – 12 points
18. Jules Roussel – 7 points
19. Maxim Rehm – 6 points
20. Andrija Kostic – 4 points
21. Reza Seewooruthun – 2 points
22. Gerrard Xie – 1 point
    Andrea Dupé – 1 points
    Dion Gowda – 1 points

Rookie Standings after Round 3

1. Kean Nakamura-Berta – 145 points
2. Maximilian Popov – 111 points
3. Jan Przyrowski – 90 points
4. Kabir Anurag – 79 points
5. Alex Powell – 78 points
6. Salim Hanna – 73 points
7. Miguel Costa – 56 points
   Sebastian Wheldon – 56 points
8. Artem Severiukhin – 48 points
9. Andrea Dupé – 33 points
   Emanuele Olivieri – 33 points
10. Jules Roussel – 29 points
11. Maxim Rehm – 27 points
12. Andrija Kostic – 22 points
13. Enea Frey – 14 points
14. August Raber – 4 points
    Matteo Giaccardi – 4 points
    Reno Francot – 4 points
15. Yuhao Fu – 3 points

Team Standings after Round 3

Ahead of each event, each team nominated two drivers who accumulated the teams’ points

1. R-ace GP – 175 points
2. MP Motorsport – 139 points
3. Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited – 136 points
4. ART Grand Prix – 89 points
5. Trident – 72 points
   RPM – 72 points
6. Rodin Motorsport – 68 points
7. Pinnacle Motorsport – 49 points
8. G4 Racing – 21 points
9. CL Motorsport – 20 points
10. Van Amersfoort Racing – 13 points

2026 FRME Round 4: Lusail: Nakamura-Berta seals the title with double victory

The 2026 Formula Regional Middle East (FRME) season reached its dramatic conclusion in Round 4 at the Lusail International Circuit, where Kean Nakamura-Berta clinched the title with a flawless performance across both qualifying and races. A disrupted start to the weekend, caused by technical issues with the Tatuus T-326, led to a revised schedule, but Nakamura-Berta thrived under pressure, dominating both qualifying sessions to secure pole positions.

In Race 1, he converted his pole into a commanding victory, fending off Sebastian Wheldon and securing the win. Title rival Rashid Al Dhaheri struggled, finishing sixth and seeing his lead shrink to just seven points, which set up an intense final showdown.

In Race 2, Nakamura-Berta held firm despite intense pressure from Wheldon. He executed a perfect restart after a red flag and safety car period, ultimately crossing the line just 0.765 seconds ahead of Wheldon to secure both the race win and the championship. Al Dhaheri could only manage seventh, effectively ending his title challenge.

With back-to-back victories, Nakamura-Berta sealed the 2026 FRME Championship with 151 points, 12 ahead of Al Dhaheri. The weekend also saw Nakamura-Berta dominate the Rookie Cup with 195 points, cementing his exceptional debut season.

In the Teams’ Championship, Mumbai Falcons Racing secured the title with 222 points, bolstered by Nakamura-Berta’s triumph. Lusail hosted a thrilling finale, where Nakamura-Berta’s composure and resilience under pressure ultimately defined the season, securing him both the championship and Rookie Cup in style.

Summary of Results:

• Race 1: Kean Nakamura-Berta
• Race 2: Kean Nakamura-Berta

Driver Standings after Round 4

1. Kean Nakamura-Berta – 151 points
2. Rashid Al Dhaheri – 139 points
3. Alexander Abkhazava – 95 points
4. Alex Powell – 76 points
5. Sebastian Wheldon – 71 points
   Jan Przyrowski – 71 points
6. Maximilian Popov – 70 points
7. Alex Ninovic – 66 points
8. Kabir Anurag – 62 points
9. Salim Hanna – 54 points
10. Taito Kato – 49 points
11. Christian Ho – 44 points
12. Yuki Sano – 37 points
13. Emanuele Olivieri – 31 points
14. Miguel Costa – 27 points
15. Zhenrui Chi – 20 points
16. Artem Severiukhin – 14 points
17. Francisco Macedo – 12 points
18. Jules Roussel – 7 points
19. Maxim Rehm – 6 points
20. Andrija Kostic – 4 points
21. Reza Seewooruthun – 2 points
22. Gerrard Xie – 1 point
    Andrea Dupé – 1 point
    Dion Gowda – 1 point
23. Enea Frey – 0 points
    Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak – 0 points
    Jesse Carrasquedo – 0 points
    Alceu Feldmann Neto – 0 points
    Matteo Giaccardi – 0 points
    August Raber – 0 points
    Michael Belov – 0 points
    Yuhao Fu – 0 points
    Reno Francot – 0 points
    Kai Daryanani – 0 points
    Giovanni Machio – 0 points

Rookie Standings after Round 4

1. Kean Nakamura-Berta – 195 points
2. Maximilian Popov – 119 points
3. Jan Przyrowski – 115 points
4. Alex Powell – 105 points
5. Kabir Anurag – 101 points
6. Sebastian Wheldon – 92 points
7. Salim Hanna – 85 points
8. Miguel Costa – 60 points
9. Artem Severiukhin – 50 points
10. Emanuele Olivieri – 47 points
11. Andrea Dupé – 34 points
12. Jules Roussel – 29 points
13. Maxim Rehm – 27 points
14. Andrija Kostic – 22 points
15. Enea Frey – 14 points
16. Matteo Giaccardi – 5 points
17. August Raber – 4 points
    Reno Francot – 4 points
18. Yuhao Fu – 3 points

Team Standings after Round 4

Ahead of each event, each team nominated two drivers who accumulated the teams’ points

1. Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited – 222 points
2. R-ace GP – 199 points
3. MP Motorsport – 139 points
4. ART Grand Prix – 111 points
5. RPM – 98 points
6. Pinnacle Motorsport – 76 points
7. Trident – 74 points
8. Rodin Motorsport – 68 points
9. G4 Racing – 21 points
10. CL Motorsport – 20 points
11. Van Amersfoort Racing – 13 points

Nakamura-Beta’s journey to the title

Kean Nakamura-Berta’s 2026 Formula Regional Middle East (FRME) season was a testament to his skill, composure, and ability to rise to the occasion. His journey to the title began with a strong performance in Round 1, where he showed competitive pace but fell just short of the podium. By Round 3, Nakamura-Berta had firmly positioned himself as a title contender, securing pole positions and podium finishes, proving his ability to challenge the front-runners. However, it was in Round 4 at Lusail that Nakamura-Berta truly asserted his dominance.

In a dramatic finale, Nakamura-Berta excelled in qualifying, securing pole in both sessions, while championship leader Rashid Al Dhaheri struggled to match his pace. A commanding victory in Race 1, combined with Al Dhaheri’s struggles, put Nakamura-Berta in striking distance of the title. Heading into the final race, with just seven points separating them, Nakamura-Berta remained calm under pressure. Despite interruptions like safety cars and red flags, he controlled the race and secured another victory, clinching the title. His remarkable consistency, combined with two vital wins in Lusail, made him the 2026 FRME champion, capping off an extraordinary debut season.

The other stand-out performers who shaped the season

While Kean Nakamura-Berta’s championship run was the standout story, several other drivers also left a lasting impression during the 2026 FRME season. Rashid Al Dhaheri, the early-season leader and pre-race favourite, led the standings for much of the campaign but faltered in the final rounds under mounting pressure. Despite finishing second in the overall standings, his inability to seal the title in Lusail marked a disappointing end to a strong season.

Sebastian Wheldon was another key driver, consistently battling for podiums throughout the season. His resilience, particularly in Round 4, where he narrowly missed out on victory in both races, earned him third place in the final standings. Wheldon’s aggressive driving and determination kept him at the forefront of the championship battle.

Alex Powell also impressed with his consistency, securing fourth in the standings through strategic and composed racing. Maximilian Popov and Jan Przyrowski rounded out the top six, with both drivers delivering steady performances throughout the season. Their ability to finish consistently in the points helped maintain their positions in the top ranks.

Though Nakamura-Berta was the standout, these drivers demonstrated their skill and determination, making the 2026 FRME season highly competitive and exciting.

Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited’s journey to the title

The 2026 FRME Teams’ Championship was claimed by Mumbai Falcons Racing, who demonstrated both individual brilliance and exceptional teamwork throughout the season. From the outset, Mumbai Falcons established themselves as serious contenders, with Kean Nakamura-Berta leading the charge. His performance, combined with consistent contributions from teammate Salim Hanna, ensured the team stayed in the hunt for the title throughout the season.

The team’s breakthrough moment came in Round 4, where Nakamura-Berta’s double victory in Lusail propelled the team into the lead. His stellar qualifying performances, along with his commanding wins in both races, secured crucial points that helped the team overtake their rivals, R-ace GP, who had led for most of the season. Hanna’s contributions, finishing consistently in the top 10, added valuable points to the team’s tally.

Mumbai Falcons’ success was not just about individual performances; it was about the strategic execution of their team strategy. By ensuring both drivers contributed consistently, the Falcons maximized their points haul throughout the season. With 222 points, they finished 23 points ahead of R-ace GP, claiming the team’s championship title. Their tactical decisions and solid teamwork were key to their success, making Mumbai Falcons the dominant force in the 2026 FRME season.

A thrilling season of competition and triumph

The 2026 FRME season concluded with an exciting and hard-fought championship, where Kean Nakamura-Berta’s exceptional drive and composure under pressure saw him crowned the champion. His resilience in key moments, combined with back-to-back wins in the season finale at Lusail, confirmed his status as one of the standout talents of the year.

However, the season was far from one-sided, as drivers like Rashid Al Dhaheri, Sebastian Wheldon, and Alex Powell demonstrated their own strengths and determination, making for a thrilling battle across the four rounds. Mumbai Falcons Racing’s strategic consistency, powered by Nakamura-Berta’s dominance, ultimately secured them the Teams’ Championship, proving that a unified team effort is just as crucial as individual brilliance.

The 2026 FRME season will be remembered for its fierce competition, exceptional performances, and the rise of new stars, making it one of the most captivating championships in recent years.