India’s 11-year-old racing prodigy Atiqa Mir gave another compelling example of her precocious talent by outqualifying two Mercedes F1 junior drivers for pole position in the Champions of the Future Academy Program Round 3 here. Despite no testing on a rather technical Leopard Circuit, Atiqa, the first Indian to be backed by Formula 1 Academy, set sizzling pace in qualifying of the karting series. &nbsp; She beat established Mercedes F1 Junior drivers like Niccolo Perico of Italy and Devin Titz of Germany for pole position besides setting an event record, earning the plaudits from one and all in the paddock. Atiqa’s special performance in qualifying came after she swept Round 2 of the COTFA series in Greece last month. Post the stellar pole position, Atiqa secured P2 and P3 in the Heats after engrossing battles.&nbsp; In the final, Atiqa started P2 and passed Niccolo for the lead. However, due to an engine mis-fire, she couldn’t hold on to the lead and lost places finally before recovering to finish P6. The results don’t reflect Atiqa’s sensational speed but she did make a mark with the audacious move for the lead on Lap 1 against Niccolo after outpacing him in qualifying. On Day 2, Atiqa was hit by engine trouble and qualified 27th. The organisers were quick to change her engine but the damage was done by then.&nbsp; A recovery drive followed and she charged through the field in every heat to start the final 18th on the grid. In the Final, Atiqa passed as many as nine karts in only one and a half laps before a fellow driver forced her out of the race with a collision from the side. The errant driver was duly penalised.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-why-did-icc-penalise-india-pacer-gurnoor-brar-1784199279505">IND vs ENG: Why did ICC penalise India pacer Gurnoor Brar?</a> Reflecting on a rollercoaster weekend, Atiqa said: “A bittersweet weekend for me, but I was able to show my pace against the world’s best and beat them. I feel confident in the kart every time I am on the track but the engine and equipment let me down this weekend.&nbsp; “It could have easily been another couple of podiums but they weren’t meant to be. Motorsports can be harsh sometimes. I am happy with my performance and couldn’t have done anything more”&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-lionel-messi-dedicates-argentina-s-win-over-england-to-diego-maradona-1784198122173">FIFA WC 2026: Messi dedicates Argentina's win over England to Diego Maradona</a> Atiqa’s father Asif Mir, who is India’s first national karting champion, said her daughter did all she could considering the sequence of events. “Atiqa had a stellar weekend and set the event record at Viterbo. The results don’t show the true picture. The DNF in Final was heartbreaking but she is a strong girl and will recover soon.” Atiqa will next be seen racing in Sweden later this month.

Atiqa’s special performance in qualifying came after she swept Round 2 of the COTFA series in Greece last month.

India’s 11-year-old racing prodigy Atiqa Mir gave another compelling example of her precocious talent by outqualifying two Mercedes F1 junior drivers for pole position in the Champions of the Future Academy Program Round 3 here. Despite no testing on a rather technical Leopard Circuit, Atiqa, the first Indian to be backed by Formula 1 Academy, set sizzling pace in qualifying of the karting series. She beat established Mercedes F1 Junior drivers like Niccolo Perico of Italy and Devin Titz of Germany for pole position besides setting an event record, earning the plaudits from one and all in the paddock. Atiqa’s special performance in qualifying came after she swept Round 2 of the COTFA series in Greece last month. Post the stellar pole position, Atiqa secured P2 and P3 in the Heats after engrossing battles. In the final, Atiqa started P2 and passed Niccolo for the lead. However, due to an engine mis-fire, she couldn’t hold on to the lead and lost places finally before recovering to finish P6. The results don’t reflect Atiqa’s sensational speed but she did make a mark with the audacious move for the lead on Lap 1 against Niccolo after outpacing him in qualifying. On Day 2, Atiqa was hit by engine trouble and qualified 27th. The organisers were quick to change her engine but the damage was done by then. A recovery drive followed and she charged through the field in every heat to start the final 18th on the grid. In the Final, Atiqa passed as many as nine karts in only one and a half laps before a fellow driver forced her out of the race with a collision from the side. The errant driver was duly penalised. Also Read - IND vs ENG: Why did ICC penalise India pacer Gurnoor Brar? Reflecting on a rollercoaster weekend, Atiqa said: “A bittersweet weekend for me, but I was able to show my pace against the world’s best and beat them. I feel confident in the kart every time I am on the track but the engine and equipment let me down this weekend. “It could have easily been another couple of podiums but they weren’t meant to be. Motorsports can be harsh sometimes. I am happy with my performance and couldn’t have done anything more” Also Read - FIFA WC 2026: Messi dedicates Argentina's win over England to Diego Maradona Atiqa’s father Asif Mir, who is India’s first national karting champion, said her daughter did all she could considering the sequence of events. “Atiqa had a stellar weekend and set the event record at Viterbo. The results don’t show the true picture. The DNF in Final was heartbreaking but she is a strong girl and will recover soon.” Atiqa will next be seen racing in Sweden later this month.

Atiqa’s special performance in qualifying came after she swept Round 2 of the COTFA series in Greece last month.

Atiqa beats two Mercedes F1 juniors to clinch pole position in Italy

Indian racing sensation Atiqa Mir exceeded expectations on her FIA European Championship debut, finishing a stellar sixth in Race 2 in the "pinnacle" of karting here. Awarded a wildcard for round two of the championship considering her special talent, the 11-year-old was once again thrown at the deep end and yet again she was able to navigate majority of the challenges that were posed by the best in the business.&nbsp;Atiqa, India's first Formula 1 Academy backed driver and also the highest ranked female in the OKNJ class (age 12-14) in the FIA ranking, had to deal with a more powerful equipment in the OKJ category and a tricky set of Maxxis tyres for the first time against 92 world class drivers with much more experience.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-virat-kohli-motivates-rcb-squad-after-thrilling-victory-against-mi-watch-1778494313512">IPL 2026: Virat Kohli motivates RCB squad after thrilling victory against MI - Watch</a>&nbsp;Qualifying position is often decisive in a heavily populated field but Atiqa fought her way into the Super Heats of the FIA (world body for four wheel racing) sanctioned series, showing a lot of fight and speed after starting 15th on the grid. Atiqa's best race finish of the weekend was P6 in Race 2 and she also got the coveted Fastest Lap in Race 5. A few crashes and penalties notwithstanding, the Indian with roots in J&amp;K qualified for the Super Heats on her debut and attracted attention of the entire paddock. Voluntarily competing in the higher age category, Atiqa showed she belonged there and collected invaluable experience for the season ahead. Aiming to become the first female in Formula 1 since 1992, Atiqa would also be taking part in the FIA World Cup later in the year.&nbsp;Reflecting on the special weekend, Atiqa said: "It’s really special driving in a FIA series, it is a dream come true for me. My pace was good the entire weekend. I raced hard and learnt a &nbsp;lot this weekend. It is fun mixing it up with these guys.”&nbsp;Atiqa's father Asif Mir, a former India racer himself, was happy with her performance considering the enormous challenge at hand.&nbsp;"A standout performance from Atiqa. She was a Wild Card entry and amongst the youngest and it was her debut in this category. She had to contend with more power, different tyres and a new team which she handled remarkably well. Qualifying P15 in a massive field and finishing P6 in one of the heat races were among the highlights," said Asif. Atiqa would travel to Greece later this month to take part in round two of COTFA International.

Atiqa's best race finish of the weekend was P6 in Race 2 and she also got the coveted Fastest Lap in Race 5. 

Indian racing sensation Atiqa Mir exceeded expectations on her FIA European Championship debut, finishing a stellar sixth in Race 2 in the "pinnacle" of karting here. Awarded a wildcard for round two of the championship considering her special talent, the 11-year-old was once again thrown at the deep end and yet again she was able to navigate majority of the challenges that were posed by the best in the business. Atiqa, India's first Formula 1 Academy backed driver and also the highest ranked female in the OKNJ class (age 12-14) in the FIA ranking, had to deal with a more powerful equipment in the OKJ category and a tricky set of Maxxis tyres for the first time against 92 world class drivers with much more experience. Also Read - IPL 2026: Virat Kohli motivates RCB squad after thrilling victory against MI - Watch Qualifying position is often decisive in a heavily populated field but Atiqa fought her way into the Super Heats of the FIA (world body for four wheel racing) sanctioned series, showing a lot of fight and speed after starting 15th on the grid. Atiqa's best race finish of the weekend was P6 in Race 2 and she also got the coveted Fastest Lap in Race 5. A few crashes and penalties notwithstanding, the Indian with roots in J&K qualified for the Super Heats on her debut and attracted attention of the entire paddock. Voluntarily competing in the higher age category, Atiqa showed she belonged there and collected invaluable experience for the season ahead. Aiming to become the first female in Formula 1 since 1992, Atiqa would also be taking part in the FIA World Cup later in the year. Reflecting on the special weekend, Atiqa said: "It’s really special driving in a FIA series, it is a dream come true for me. My pace was good the entire weekend. I raced hard and learnt a lot this weekend. It is fun mixing it up with these guys.” Atiqa's father Asif Mir, a former India racer himself, was happy with her performance considering the enormous challenge at hand. "A standout performance from Atiqa. She was a Wild Card entry and amongst the youngest and it was her debut in this category. She had to contend with more power, different tyres and a new team which she handled remarkably well. Qualifying P15 in a massive field and finishing P6 in one of the heat races were among the highlights," said Asif. Atiqa would travel to Greece later this month to take part in round two of COTFA International.

Atiqa's best race finish of the weekend was P6 in Race 2 and she also got the coveted Fastest Lap in Race 5.&nbsp;

Atiqa Mir makes stunning FIA Karting debut with fastest lap and P6 finish

Racing prodigy Atiqa Mir has created history by becoming the first Indian to secure a podium finish in the highly-competitive European leg of the COTFA karting series. The 11-year-old finished third in the final of the opening round in the Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA) series. The result over the weekend was also Atiqa’s biggest success since moving from the mini to the junior category. Atiqa is the first Indian to be supported by the F1 Academy, a testament to her special talent. Throughout the weekend, Atiqa was in top form and also recorded the fastest lap in the final.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-35k-fine-and-banned-from-selling-tickets-uefa-punishes-tottenham-hotspur-for-nazi-salutes-by-fans-1772519731548">Champions League | '$35k fine and banned from selling tickets': UEFA punishes Tottenham Hotspur for Nazi Salutes by fans</a>She was on course to get pole position but encountered a slow driver in the last corner on her flying lap, pushing her down to ninth on the grid. Determined to get back to the front, Atiqa stormed to P3 in Race 1 and P2 in Race 2, setting her up for a third place start in the Final Race.The 15-lap race the Final was a true test of strength and stamina on the super fast Lucas Guerrero Circuit. Atiqa held second place at the start and had a long battle with the leading pack. On the final lap, Atiqa made an audacious move on the second place driver around the outside of the infamous chicane at the last corner. She held off the challenge to secure a second place on track, a record finish for an Indian in the Europe leg of the series.A post-race penalty dropped her to the third spot on the podium.On day two of the weekend, Atiqa was again held back by a slow driver on her flying lap during qualifying. Her theoretical time was good enough for pole position but she had to settle for seventh on the grid.In Race 1, Atiqa was pushed off the circuit before recovering to finish 9th. In Race 2, she zoomed to a special victory, only to be denied by a post race penalty for contact with another driver.Despite her fair share of bad luck, Atiqa was able to produce head turning performances through the weekend.“That was a great race. Really tough pace at the front and I could manage to fight till the last corner. I took a risk in the last corner going for the move as I didn’t want to settle for a third place finish.“Like the great Ayrton Senna said if you no longer go for a gap that exists you are no longer a racing driver. It was risky but it paid off. I’m happy to have the India flag at the podium and a proud moment for me and the country,” said Atiqa.Atiqa’s father Asif Mir, who is India’s first national karting champion, also reflected on a successful weekend.“An outstanding performance in her debut in OKNJ race in this series. She had only few sessions to adapt to the circuit which she had never driven before in a Junior kart.“She had good speed but missed the top spot due to the post race penalty. I don’t mind that as long as she makes overtakes like that,” Asif Mir added.

The 15-lap race the Final was a true test of strength and stamina on the super fast Lucas Guerrero Circuit. Atiqa held second place at the start and had a long battle with the leading pack.

Racing prodigy Atiqa Mir has created history by becoming the first Indian to secure a podium finish in the highly-competitive European leg of the COTFA karting series. The 11-year-old finished third in the final of the opening round in the Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA) series. The result over the weekend was also Atiqa’s biggest success since moving from the mini to the junior category. Atiqa is the first Indian to be supported by the F1 Academy, a testament to her special talent. Throughout the weekend, Atiqa was in top form and also recorded the fastest lap in the final. Also Read - Champions League | '$35k fine and banned from selling tickets': UEFA punishes Tottenham Hotspur for Nazi Salutes by fans She was on course to get pole position but encountered a slow driver in the last corner on her flying lap, pushing her down to ninth on the grid. Determined to get back to the front, Atiqa stormed to P3 in Race 1 and P2 in Race 2, setting her up for a third place start in the Final Race. The 15-lap race the Final was a true test of strength and stamina on the super fast Lucas Guerrero Circuit. Atiqa held second place at the start and had a long battle with the leading pack. On the final lap, Atiqa made an audacious move on the second place driver around the outside of the infamous chicane at the last corner. She held off the challenge to secure a second place on track, a record finish for an Indian in the Europe leg of the series. A post-race penalty dropped her to the third spot on the podium. On day two of the weekend, Atiqa was again held back by a slow driver on her flying lap during qualifying. Her theoretical time was good enough for pole position but she had to settle for seventh on the grid. In Race 1, Atiqa was pushed off the circuit before recovering to finish 9th. In Race 2, she zoomed to a special victory, only to be denied by a post race penalty for contact with another driver. Despite her fair share of bad luck, Atiqa was able to produce head turning performances through the weekend. “That was a great race. Really tough pace at the front and I could manage to fight till the last corner. I took a risk in the last corner going for the move as I didn’t want to settle for a third place finish. “Like the great Ayrton Senna said if you no longer go for a gap that exists you are no longer a racing driver. It was risky but it paid off. I’m happy to have the India flag at the podium and a proud moment for me and the country,” said Atiqa. Atiqa’s father Asif Mir, who is India’s first national karting champion, also reflected on a successful weekend. “An outstanding performance in her debut in OKNJ race in this series. She had only few sessions to adapt to the circuit which she had never driven before in a Junior kart. “She had good speed but missed the top spot due to the post race penalty. I don’t mind that as long as she makes overtakes like that,” Asif Mir added.

The 15-lap race the Final was a true test of strength and stamina on the super fast Lucas Guerrero Circuit. Atiqa held second place at the start and had a long battle with the leading pack.

Atiqa Mir marks major milestone in Europe, becomes first Indian to secure podium

Having made a voluntary switch from the mini to a much more demanding junior category, 11-year-old Indian racing prodigy Atiqa Mir has shown the skill and maturity beyond her years to produce standout performances in the early part of her 2026 international karting season.&nbsp;In sub zero temperatures in Europe and on tracks she has little experience of, the only female in a world-class WSK Super Masters grid, Atiqa announced herself in the paddock with a sizzling P2 in qualifying of the season opener.&nbsp;In the following round at the iconic Circuit di Napoli, the F1 Academy-backed driver gave another fine exhibition of her rare talent by setting the sixth fastest time in the treacherous wet conditions. In the race, she pierced through the male-dominated field of 45-plus karts to gain as many as 16 positions.&nbsp;Moving from mini (age 8-12) to OKNJ junior class (12-14) is a massive step up, but the F1 aspirant has embraced the challenge with open arms and has adjusted to the much heavier karts like a duck to water.&nbsp;To put things in perspective, the OKNJ karts are 30kg heavier (115kg in mini to 145kg in junior) and have three times the horsepower (10 bhp with top speed 105 kmph to 29bhp with top speed of 126 kmph).&nbsp;Atiqa's head-turning performances were duly discussed in the paddock, leaving her coach, Felice Tiene, impressed as well. Tiene is one of the best in the business and has coached multiple world champions in the karting arena.&nbsp;"I started working with Atiqa this year at the first test in La Conca. Straight away, she showed what she is capable of. In her first qualification, in a new category, new environment, new people, basically everything new for her, straight away she qualified P2," said Tiena. "Not only the result itself, but also her approach and her attitude towards working are something special and great. We are in a learning process, after La Conca, Sarno and Viterbo.&nbsp;"She has also been doing great on tracks she doesn’t know, and she is able to pick things straight away and be fast.&nbsp;"She is young, she has time to learn what it takes to be one of the best drivers in motorsport! I see her winning in karting and graduate to have a place in some big Formula 1 series in motorsport," said the Italian in a glowing reference to Atiqa, who aims to break the Formula 1 barrier for a female racer.&nbsp;Atiqa's father, Asif Mir too knows what it takes to be a successful racer, having finished runner-up in the Formula Asia series in the early 2000s. He, too, has been left impressed by Atiqa's performances so early in the season.&nbsp;"We took a big risk by putting Atiqa so early in Junior and too straight to the WSK level. We skipped the UAE and other championships, and this was a big risk and asking a lot from Atiqa.&nbsp;"If you consider the challenges she was up against, one can then appreciate her performances. Atiqa certainly exceeded my expectations so far, and I hope she continues the progression against all odds. It will surely toughen her up for the future,” said Asif.&nbsp;Atiqa will be in action at the WSK Super Masters round three in Italy later this week.

In sub zero temperatures in Europe and on tracks she has little experience of, the only female in a world-class WSK Super Masters grid, Atiqa announced herself in the paddock with a sizzling P2 in qualifying of the season opener.

Having made a voluntary switch from the mini to a much more demanding junior category, 11-year-old Indian racing prodigy Atiqa Mir has shown the skill and maturity beyond her years to produce standout performances in the early part of her 2026 international karting season. In sub zero temperatures in Europe and on tracks she has little experience of, the only female in a world-class WSK Super Masters grid, Atiqa announced herself in the paddock with a sizzling P2 in qualifying of the season opener. In the following round at the iconic Circuit di Napoli, the F1 Academy-backed driver gave another fine exhibition of her rare talent by setting the sixth fastest time in the treacherous wet conditions. In the race, she pierced through the male-dominated field of 45-plus karts to gain as many as 16 positions. Moving from mini (age 8-12) to OKNJ junior class (12-14) is a massive step up, but the F1 aspirant has embraced the challenge with open arms and has adjusted to the much heavier karts like a duck to water. To put things in perspective, the OKNJ karts are 30kg heavier (115kg in mini to 145kg in junior) and have three times the horsepower (10 bhp with top speed 105 kmph to 29bhp with top speed of 126 kmph). Atiqa's head-turning performances were duly discussed in the paddock, leaving her coach, Felice Tiene, impressed as well. Tiene is one of the best in the business and has coached multiple world champions in the karting arena. "I started working with Atiqa this year at the first test in La Conca. Straight away, she showed what she is capable of. In her first qualification, in a new category, new environment, new people, basically everything new for her, straight away she qualified P2," said Tiena. "Not only the result itself, but also her approach and her attitude towards working are something special and great. We are in a learning process, after La Conca, Sarno and Viterbo. "She has also been doing great on tracks she doesn’t know, and she is able to pick things straight away and be fast. "She is young, she has time to learn what it takes to be one of the best drivers in motorsport! I see her winning in karting and graduate to have a place in some big Formula 1 series in motorsport," said the Italian in a glowing reference to Atiqa, who aims to break the Formula 1 barrier for a female racer. Atiqa's father, Asif Mir too knows what it takes to be a successful racer, having finished runner-up in the Formula Asia series in the early 2000s. He, too, has been left impressed by Atiqa's performances so early in the season. "We took a big risk by putting Atiqa so early in Junior and too straight to the WSK level. We skipped the UAE and other championships, and this was a big risk and asking a lot from Atiqa. "If you consider the challenges she was up against, one can then appreciate her performances. Atiqa certainly exceeded my expectations so far, and I hope she continues the progression against all odds. It will surely toughen her up for the future,” said Asif. Atiqa will be in action at the WSK Super Masters round three in Italy later this week.

In sub zero temperatures in Europe and on tracks she has little experience of, the only female in a world class WSK Super Masters grid, Atiqa announced herself in the paddock with a sizzling P2 in qualifying of the season opener.

Lone female on grid, F1 aspirant Atiqa Mir punches above weight after big move up the WSK ladder

Atiqa Mir, a 10-year-old karting sensation, has become the first Indian and Asian to be signed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/formula-1">Formula 1</a> Academy for its driver programme, a testament to her rapid growth in the world of motorsports. &nbsp;&nbsp;
F1 Academy, a female-only racing series owned by Formula 1, has decided to take Atiqa on board for its Discover Your Drive programme (DYD) after closely tracking her stellar performances on the karting circuit.&nbsp;
The racer from Jammu and Kashmir is only one of three drivers in the mini category (age 8-11) worldwide to be chosen for the DYD programme. Atiqa will represent Formula 1 Academy at the Champions of the Future Academy Program Championship with six rounds In Europe and Middle East, starting this weekend.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/exclusive-beyond-the-finish-line-the-unseen-struggles-of-indian-athletes-8767056">Exclusive | Beyond the finish line: The unseen struggles of Indian athletes</a>
The F1 Academy is investing in Atiqa&rsquo;s rare talent by providing financial and technical support, covering her fitness, driving and mental preparation.
Being signed by F1 Academy is a major stepping stone in Atiqa&rsquo;s blossoming racing career and she duly realises the significance of this opportunity. &nbsp; &ldquo;I&rsquo;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,&rdquo; said Atiqa.
Formula 1 created the F1 Academy with the sole purpose of developing and preparing female driver to progress to higher levels of single seater racing.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/susie-wolff">Susie Wolff</a>, a former racer who has driven a Formula 1 car, is the managing director of F1 Academy.&nbsp;"To drive the meaningful change we want to see in our sport, we can&rsquo;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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mercedes">Mercedes</a> F1 team boss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/toto-wolff">Toto Wolff</a>.
"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,&rdquo; she added referring to the rookie test introduced in the senior category.
Besides creating a feeder line of female racers for higher echelons of motorsport, F1 Academy aims to play an instrumental role in taking a female driver to Formula 1, which is considered the pinnacle of motorsport.&nbsp;
With the announcement on Friday, Atiqa entered a select club of female racers who are out to break that barrier.&nbsp;Last month, Atiqa became the first Indian female to sign for a full season with World Series Karting.

Sports, Formula 1:  She is the first Indian to be chosen for this honour. Atiqa one of only three girls chosen by F1 Academy worldwide in mini category

Atiqa Mir, a 10-year-old karting sensation, has become the first Indian and Asian to be signed by Formula 1 Academy for its driver programme, a testament to her rapid growth in the world of motorsports. F1 Academy, a female-only racing series owned by Formula 1, has decided to take Atiqa on board for its Discover Your Drive programme (DYD) after closely tracking her stellar performances on the karting circuit. The racer from Jammu and Kashmir is only one of three drivers in the mini category (age 8-11) worldwide to be chosen for the DYD programme. Atiqa will represent Formula 1 Academy at the Champions of the Future Academy Program Championship with six rounds In Europe and Middle East, starting this weekend. Also Read: Exclusive | Beyond the finish line: The unseen struggles of Indian athletes The F1 Academy is investing in Atiqa’s rare talent by providing financial and technical support, covering her fitness, driving and mental preparation. Being signed by F1 Academy is a major stepping stone in Atiqa’s blossoming racing career and she duly realises the significance 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 created the F1 Academy with the sole purpose of developing and preparing female driver to progress to higher levels of single seater racing. Susie Wolff, a former racer who has driven a Formula 1 car, is the managing director of F1 Academy. "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 the rookie test introduced in the senior category. Besides creating a feeder line of female racers for higher echelons of motorsport, F1 Academy aims to play an instrumental role in taking a female driver to Formula 1, which is considered the pinnacle of motorsport. With the announcement on Friday, Atiqa entered a select club of female racers who are out to break that barrier. Last month, Atiqa became the first Indian female to sign for a full season with World Series Karting.

Speeding into the future: Formula 1 academy picks 10-year-old Indian racer Atiqa Mir for driver programme

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Atiqa beats two Mercedes F1 juniors to clinch pole position in Italy

Atiqa Mir makes stunning FIA Karting debut with fastest lap and P6 finish

Atiqa Mir marks major milestone in Europe, becomes first Indian to secure podium

F1 aspirant Atiqa Mir punches above weight after big move up the WSK ladder

Speeding into the future: Formula 1 academy picks 10-year-old Indian racer Atiqa Mir for driver programme