Motorsport
10-year-old Atiqa Mir becomes the first Indian picked for F1 Academy’s Driver Program
Just last month, she made history as the first Indian female to secure a full-season contract in World Series Karting.
The 9-year-old Atiqa Mir has been making waves on the karting circuit. (Photo credit: FMSCI)
10-year-old karting prodigy Atiqa Mir has been selected for the Formula 1 Academy’s Discover Your Drive (DYD) Program. This milestone makes her the first Indian and Asian racer to earn a place in the initiative, which is dedicated to developing young female drivers.
The rising star from Jammu and Kashmir has been turning heads with her performances on the karting circuit, prompting F1 Academy, an all-female racing series under Formula 1, to recognize her talent. Atiqa is among just three drivers globally in the mini category (ages 8-11) to be chosen for the DYD program.
As part of this prestigious selection, Atiqa will compete in the Champions of the Future Academy Program Championship, a series spanning six rounds across Europe and the Middle East, beginning this weekend. The F1 Academy will provide financial and technical backing, ensuring her development in key areas such as fitness, driving techniques, and mental preparation.
The young racer is thrilled about the opportunity and determined to make the most of it.
"Being chosen by Formula 1 Academy is a huge honor. It’s an incredible opportunity for me and for India. I’m excited to work hard, improve my skills, and justify the faith placed in me," Atiqa expressed.
F1 Academy’s Vision for Female Drivers
The F1 Academy, led by former Formula 1 test driver Susie Wolff, was established to nurture female talent and create pathways for them to progress in single-seater racing. The program aims to bridge the gender gap in motorsport and ultimately see more women competing at the highest level, including Formula 1.
"If we want to see meaningful change, we have to take action," said Wolff, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent. "We are seeing more young girls competing in karting, and it's essential to ensure the most talented ones have the support to advance."
The introduction of an F1 Academy rookie test and continued collaborations with talent programs like Champions of the Future Academy are part of a larger effort to build a strong pipeline of female racers.
With her selection, Atiqa joins an exclusive group of young female racers striving to shatter barriers in motorsport. Just last month, she made history as the first Indian female to secure a full-season contract in World Series Karting, further cementing her reputation as a rising force in racing.
As she gears up for her international debut, Atiqa Mir represents a new era of Indian motorsport—one where young female drivers are making their mark on the global stage.
