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

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s wife filed a criminal complaint against the FIA&nbsp;for comments made by the top governing body of Formula One. In December 2023 Formula One’s governing body launched and then dropped an investigation into F1 Academy where it made comments on the duo. Susie Wolff, the wife of Toto, filed a criminal complaint against the FIA on March 4 and claimed there has been no transparency in the investigation laid by the top body.

<h2>Susie Wolff files criminal complaint</h2>

"I can confirm that I personally filed a criminal complaint in the French courts on the 4th of March in relation to the statements made about me by the FIA last December," Wolff said on Instagram.

"There has still not been any transparency or accountability in relation to the conduct of the FIA and its personnel in this matter. I feel more than ever it is important to stand up, call out improper behaviour and make sure people are held to account.

"Whilst some may think silence absolves them from responsibility - it does not."

<h2>What is the matter?</h2>

According to a report in Business F1 magazine, Susie, the current managing director of F1 Academy had provided confidential information to her husband and Mercedes team principal Toto. The report further claimed that the Mercedes boss was benefiting from information shared by his wife.

A couple of days later FIA announced its compliance department was "looking into" the allegations, the federation said it "can confirm that there is no ongoing investigation in terms of ethical or disciplinary inquiries involving any individual.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/csk-vs-rcb-ipl-2024-head-to-head-stats-playing-xis-pitch-report-live-streaming-details-more-702464">CSK vs RCB- IPL 2024: Head-to-head, stats, playing XIs, pitch report, live streaming details &amp; more</a>

<h2>Turbulent last few months in F1</h2>

The probe arose in December and had the F1 world in shock with a series of other controversies during the last few months. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was being investigated for alleged inappropriate behaviour after a complaint made by a female employee of the team. The grievance was dismissed on 28 February just before the season-opening Bahrain GP.

Horner always denied any wrongdoing but there was to be no respite. A day later an email was leaked to the FIA, F1, the teams and the media that purported to contain messages between Horner and the complainant and since then the storm has only grown.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s wife filed a criminal complaint against the FIA for comments made by the top governing body of Formula One. In December 2023 Formula One’s governing body launched and then dropped an investigation into F1 Academy where it made comments on the duo.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s wife filed a criminal complaint against the FIA for comments made by the top governing body of Formula One. In December 2023 Formula One’s governing body launched and then dropped an investigation into F1 Academy where it made comments on the duo. Susie Wolff, the wife of Toto, filed a criminal complaint against the FIA on March 4 and claimed there has been no transparency in the investigation laid by the top body. Susie Wolff files criminal complaint "I can confirm that I personally filed a criminal complaint in the French courts on the 4th of March in relation to the statements made about me by the FIA last December," Wolff said on Instagram. "There has still not been any transparency or accountability in relation to the conduct of the FIA and its personnel in this matter. I feel more than ever it is important to stand up, call out improper behaviour and make sure people are held to account. "Whilst some may think silence absolves them from responsibility - it does not." What is the matter? According to a report in Business F1 magazine, Susie, the current managing director of F1 Academy had provided confidential information to her husband and Mercedes team principal Toto. The report further claimed that the Mercedes boss was benefiting from information shared by his wife. A couple of days later FIA announced its compliance department was "looking into" the allegations, the federation said it "can confirm that there is no ongoing investigation in terms of ethical or disciplinary inquiries involving any individual.” ALSO READ | CSK vs RCB- IPL 2024: Head-to-head, stats, playing XIs, pitch report, live streaming details & more Turbulent last few months in F1 The probe arose in December and had the F1 world in shock with a series of other controversies during the last few months. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was being investigated for alleged inappropriate behaviour after a complaint made by a female employee of the team. The grievance was dismissed on 28 February just before the season-opening Bahrain GP. Horner always denied any wrongdoing but there was to be no respite. A day later an email was leaked to the FIA, F1, the teams and the media that purported to contain messages between Horner and the complainant and since then the storm has only grown.

Formula One: Mercedes team principal's wife files criminal complaint against FIA

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has backed&nbsp;Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s wife Susie Wolff after she filed a criminal&nbsp;complaint against the FIA - Formula One's governing body.&nbsp;

Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton was quizzed about the situation with the Briton saying he was 'incredibly proud' of Susie for coming ahead and batting for transparency within the sport.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Firstly, I'm incredibly proud of Susie. I think she's so brave and she stands for such great values," said Hamilton.&nbsp;

"She's such a leader, and in a world where often people are silenced, for her to be standing up sends such a great message. And I love that she's taken it out of this world - fighting it from outside because there is a real lack of accountability here within this sport, within the FIA, things that are happening behind closed doors," he added.&nbsp;

Hamilton hoped that the stance taken by her could bring changes in the setup of FIA.&nbsp;

"There is no transparency, there is clearly no accountability, and we need that. I think the fans need&nbsp;that. How can you trust the sport and what is happening here if you don't have that?" said Hamilton.&nbsp;

"So hopefully this stand that she's taken now will create change, will have a positive impact, and especially for women."

<h2>Why did Wolff file the complaint?&nbsp;</h2>

Wolff on Wednesday (Mar 20) filed a complaint in a French court against FIA after the top body launched and later dropped an investigation in December 2023 over an alleged breach of confidentiality.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I can confirm that I personally filed a criminal complaint in the French courts on the 4th of March in relation to the statements made about me by the FIA last December," Wolff wrote on Instagram.

The probe was initiated after a report in&nbsp;Business F1 magazine claimed that Susie, the&nbsp;current managing director of F1 Academy had provided confidential information to her husband and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-mercedes-team-principals-wife-files-criminal-complaint-against-fia-702555">Also read |&nbsp;Formula One: Mercedes team principal's wife files criminal complaint against FIA</a>

The report further claimed that the Mercedes boss was benefiting from information shared by his wife. A couple of days later FIA announced its compliance department was "looking into" the allegations.&nbsp;

However, after Wolff and Mercedes denied the allegations while other nine F1 teams denied having made the complaint, FIA dropped the investigation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has backed Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s wife Susie Wolff after she filed a criminal complaint against the FIA - Formula One's governing body.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has backed Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s wife Susie Wolff after she filed a criminal complaint against the FIA - Formula One's governing body. Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton was quizzed about the situation with the Briton saying he was 'incredibly proud' of Susie for coming ahead and batting for transparency within the sport. "Firstly, I'm incredibly proud of Susie. I think she's so brave and she stands for such great values," said Hamilton. "She's such a leader, and in a world where often people are silenced, for her to be standing up sends such a great message. And I love that she's taken it out of this world - fighting it from outside because there is a real lack of accountability here within this sport, within the FIA, things that are happening behind closed doors," he added. Hamilton hoped that the stance taken by her could bring changes in the setup of FIA. "There is no transparency, there is clearly no accountability, and we need that. I think the fans need that. How can you trust the sport and what is happening here if you don't have that?" said Hamilton. "So hopefully this stand that she's taken now will create change, will have a positive impact, and especially for women." Why did Wolff file the complaint? Wolff on Wednesday (Mar 20) filed a complaint in a French court against FIA after the top body launched and later dropped an investigation in December 2023 over an alleged breach of confidentiality. "I can confirm that I personally filed a criminal complaint in the French courts on the 4th of March in relation to the statements made about me by the FIA last December," Wolff wrote on Instagram. The probe was initiated after a report in Business F1 magazine claimed that Susie, the current managing director of F1 Academy had provided confidential information to her husband and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Also read | Formula One: Mercedes team principal's wife files criminal complaint against FIA The report further claimed that the Mercedes boss was benefiting from information shared by his wife. A couple of days later FIA announced its compliance department was "looking into" the allegations. However, after Wolff and Mercedes denied the allegations while other nine F1 teams denied having made the complaint, FIA dropped the investigation. (With inputs from agencies)

'I'm incredibly proud': Lewis Hamilton backs Susie Wolff's complaint against FIA

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

Formula One: Mercedes team principal's wife files criminal complaint against FIA

'I'm incredibly proud': Lewis Hamilton backs Susie Wolff's complaint against FIA