10-year-old karting star Atiqa Mir made history on Friday by becoming the first Indian and Asian to be signed by the Formula 1 Academy for its driver program. This is a huge achievement, highlighting her impressive rise in motorsports.
From Jammu and Kashmir to Formula 1 Academy: Atiqa Mir’s Inspirational Journey
The F1 Academy, which is a racing series for women owned by Formula 1, chose Atiqa Mir for its Discover Your Drive Program (DYD) after closely following her strong performances in karting. Atiqa, from Jammu and Kashmir, is one of only three drivers in the mini category (ages 8-11) worldwide to be selected for the program.
Atiqa will represent the Formula 1 Academy at the Champions of the Future Academy Program Championship, which includes six rounds across Europe and the Middle East, starting this weekend.
The F1 Academy is supporting Atiqa’s exceptional talent by offering financial and technical backing, including resources for her fitness, driving, and mental preparation.
Being signed by the F1 Academy is a huge milestone in Atiqa’s growing racing career, and she fully understands the importance of this opportunity.
“I’m so excited to hear this amazing news. To be chosen by Formula 1 Academy is a huge honour for me and for us here in India. I will work hard and perform at my best and repay the faith out in me by Formula 1 Academy. It is massively encouraging for me and I take great pride in representing my country,” said Atiqa.
Formula 1 launched the F1 Academy to specifically develop and prepare female drivers for advancement to higher levels of single-seater racing.
The managing director of the F1 Academy is Susie Wolff, a former racer who has also driven a Formula 1 car.
“To drive the meaningful change we want to see in our sport, we can’t just talk, we need to act. I see a lot more girls competing competitively in karting and we want to make sure that the best have the opportunity to progress,” said Wolff, who is also the wife of Mercedes F1 team boss Toto Wolff.
“The introduction of an F1 Academy rookie test and the continuation of our collaboration with Champions of the Future Academy Program are unprecedented opportunities for young emerging talent and will help us cultivate a competitive pipeline of talent for F1 Academy for years to come,” she added, referring to rookie test introduced for the senior category.
The F1 Academy not only aims to create a pathway for female drivers to reach higher levels in motorsport but also hopes to help a female driver reach Formula 1, the highest level of racing.
With the announcement on Friday, Atiqa joined a small group of female drivers working to break this barrier.
Last month, Atiqa became the first Indian female to sign up for a full season with World Series Karting.
ALSO READ: World Champion D Gukesh Hits Career-Best FIDE Rating, Pragg Re-Enters Top 10
