Rising Star Atiqa Mir Joins COTFA's Elite Roster

Atiqa Mir, a 10-year-old Indian racing prodigy, is selected by the Formula 1 Academy for the Champions of the Future Academy Program UAE, offering her technical and financial support. Her selection is part of a broader initiative to increase female participation in racing, as seen in the rising percentage of female drivers.

The Formula 1 Academy has broadened its support for India's emerging racing talent Atiqa Mir by selecting her for the new Champions of the Future Academy Program (COTFA) UAE, announced on Friday.

The 10-year-old will receive backing from the F1 Academy for the national karting championship in the UAE. This is in addition to support she already enjoys for various other competitions, including the international COTFA series courtesy of the Discover Your Drive (DYD) program.

Atiqa, who recently secured a victory in the RMC Championship, is currently racing in the MENA Nations Cup in Qatar and is notably the first Indian to receive technical and financial support from Formula 1.

According to a statement from the F1 Academy, since COTFA's inception in 2023, female participation has significantly increased, with female drivers rising from 5% to 30% by 2025. The program has launched two new national initiatives, one in the UAE and another in Britain, with Atiqa selected for the UAE series for those aged 8-11. The UAE series is set to begin from November 7-9.

Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy and a former racer, remarked on the rapid growth of female talent in the championship, highlighting the program's commitment to merit-based competition and its expansion to support up to 27 drivers across the two international and new regional programs.

(With inputs from agencies.)