The Champions of the Future Academy Program UAE Series made its debut at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi, opening a new chapter for RGMMC’s global arrive-and-drive platform.
The first event of the 2025-2026 regional championship delivered two full individual days of racing – in the usual COTFA format - under the UAE sun, packed with intense battles, new winners, and standout performances that showcased the depth of talent and diversity of the field.
Across the two days, five drivers left Abu Dhabi with victories — Mayson Hibbert and Benjamin Karajkovic in Mini 60, Nathan Kappen and Axel Nocom in OK-N Junior, and a double win for Markas Silkunas in OK-N Senior.
Mini 60: Hibbert strikes first, Karajkovic answers back
The youngest category delivered thrilling action right from the start.
On Saturday, Atiqa Mir claimed pole position in qualifying, but the Final saw Mayson Hibbert produce a stunning charge from fifth on the grid to victory — his first in the UAE Series — also topping the U10 classification. Benjamin Karajkovic finished a close second, while Albi-Jay Stubbs secured third after a tight multi-kart battle.
On Sunday, Karajkovic turned the tables. After setting the fastest time in qualifying and dominating both heats, he converted pole into a commanding Final win, ahead of Hibbert, who recovered brilliantly from the back after a technical setback, and Atiqa Mir, who completed the podium.
Karajkovic now leads the overall standings, while Hibbert holds the upper hand in the U10 category, confirming the high level of competition among the youngest drivers in the Academy.
Mini 60 Championship standings after Round 1:
1. Benjamin Karajkovic – 141 pts
2. Mayson Hibbert – 115 pts
3. Atiqa Mir – 110 pts
4. Albi-Jay Stubbs – 110 pts
5. Liam O’Hanlon – 92 pts
Mini 60 U10 standings:
1. Mayson Hibbert – 141 pts
2. Liam O’Hanlon – 133 pts
3. Samar Chopra – 110 pts
Equipment: Parolin / TM / Vega
OK-N Junior: Kappen’s comeback and Nocom’s reply
The OK-N Junior category was wide open across both rounds, offering two different winners and plenty of drama.
On Saturday, Axel Nocom dominated qualifying and the heats to start from pole, but it was Nathan Kappen who stole the spotlight in the Final. After a disqualification from his timed qualifying position, he delivered an incredible recovery drive from the back of the grid to victory, ahead of Veer Chopra and Leo Ayna — a sensational comeback that set the tone for the series.
On Sunday, Nocom came back stronger than ever. Fastest in qualifying and leader through both heats, he controlled the Final from lights to flag, taking a well-deserved win ahead of Mitansh Jain and Chopra, who continued his consistent run of podiums.
The result leaves Nocom leading the championship with 134 points, ahead of Chopra and Kappen, as the Juniors prepare for the next round.
OK-N Junior Championship standings after Round 1:
1. Axel Nocom – 134 pts
2. Veer Chopra – 121 pts
3. Nathan Kappen – 119 pts
4. Mitansh Jain – 114 pts
5. Aaron Mason – 80 pts
Equipment: Kart Republic / IAME / Vega
OK-N Senior: Silkunas doubles up at Al Forsan
The OK-N Senior class saw Markas Silkunas deliver a flawless performance across both rounds, establishing himself as the driver to beat in the UAE Series opener.
On Saturday, Silkunas converted pole position into a dominant win after topping every session from qualifying through to the Final. Behind him, Ella Hakkinen impressed with a strong drive to second, while Alessandro Bigi completed the podium.
Sunday’s round followed a similar pattern, though with new challenges. Bigi took pole in qualifying, but a crash in the second heat dropped him down the order. When the lights went out for the Final, Silkunas once again pulled clear to claim his second win of the weekend, ahead of Hakkinen and a recovering Bigi, who completed the podium.
With two victories from two, Silkunas leads the championship on 152 points, followed by Hakkinen and Bigi.
OK-N Senior Championship standings after Round 1:
1. Markas Silkunas – 152 pts
2. Ella Hakkinen – 122 pts
3. Alessandro Bigi – 113 pts
4. Gianna Pascoal – 96 pts
5. Vanesa Silkunaite – 89 pts
Equipment: Kart Republic / IAME / Vega
A promising start for the UAE Series
The opening event of the Champions of the Future Academy Program UAE Series set the tone for an exciting regional championship. With identical equipment supplied to all competitors and the continued support of the F1 Academy Discover Your Drive™ program, the Academy once again delivered on its promise of inclusivity, equal opportunity, and professional competition.
The action resumes on 20-22 February 2026 as the UAE Series continues its journey — bringing more young talent, more stories, and more moments of pure racing emotion to circuits across the Middle East. Following the success of the races held so far at Al Forsan International Sports Resort, the venue has been confirmed to host Round 2 of the UAE Series.
Entries are now open — don’t miss your chance to be on the grid! Register today at championskartingacademy.com