Maha Al-Hamali had hopes of starting her second Dakar Rally in 2026, but sponsorship woes are keeping her on the sideline yet again.

“The lack of sponsors prevents Maha Al-Hamli from participating in Dakar Rally 2026,” reported Rally Raid Spirit. “Al-Hamli has previously competed in the Dakar Rally and took part this season in the Saudi RallyRaid Championship and Morocco Rally, demonstrating her readiness and competitiveness. However, the absence of financial support forced her to withdraw.”

Al-Hamali made her Dakar debut in 2024, but retired after a massive rollover in the Chrono Stage that left her in the hospital. She recovered in time to compete in the FIA Middle East Baja Cup, finishing fifth in points and runner-up for Challenger.

For 2025, she moved up to the World Baja Cup. Running the full season with Aragón and Portalegre as her two non-points events, Al-Hamali placed 11th in the overall standings and fifth in SSV. She won her class among WBC drivers with a runner-up in SSV at the Qatar International Baja.

She also ran the women-exclusive Rally Jameel, placing 12th overall and third in PT4 in a Land Cruiser. Al-Hamali had won PT4 at the 2024 edition.

Featured image credit: Florent Gooden / DPPI / ASO