Source – Outlookindia
10-year-old Atiqa Mir makes history in Indian motorsport by becoming the first Indian and Asian racer to be signed by F1 Academy’s driver program.
Introduction
At just 10 years old, Atiqa Mir is already making history in Indian motorsport. The young racing prodigy from Jammu and Kashmir has become the first Indian and Asian driver to be signed by the prestigious Formula 1 Academy for its Discover Your Drive (DYD) program. This marks a major milestone in her burgeoning career, solidifying her place as one of the brightest young talents in karting. But what does this mean for Atiqa, and how does it shape the future of female racers in motorsport?
Let’s dive into her inspiring journey and what lies ahead.
Who is Atiqa Mir?
Atiqa Mir is a young karting prodigy from Jammu and Kashmir, India. At just 10 years old, she has already made waves in the international karting scene, showcasing immense skill and determination. Her exceptional performances in various karting competitions caught the attention of Formula 1 Academy, leading to her historic selection for the Discover Your Drive (DYD) program.
The Journey from Karting to F1 Academy
Atiqa started karting at an early age, honing her skills on local tracks before progressing to national and international competitions. She quickly became a standout performer, competing against some of the best young drivers in the world. Her journey to F1 Academy’s DYD Program is a testament to her relentless dedication and natural racing ability.
What is the F1 Academy and the DYD Program?
The F1 Academy is a female-only racing series created by Formula 1 to nurture and develop young female drivers, preparing them for higher levels of single-seater racing. The Discover Your Drive (DYD) Program is designed to scout and support promising young female talents, providing them with the necessary resources to reach their full potential in motorsport.
Why is Atiqa’s Selection So Special?
Atiqa is the first Indian and Asian driver to be signed by the F1 Academy, making her selection groundbreaking for Indian motorsport. She is also one of just three drivers in the mini category (ages 8-11) worldwide to be chosen for the DYD Program. This highlights her exceptional talent and the faith F1 Academy has in her potential.
Competing on the Global Stage: Champions of the Future Academy Championship
As part of the F1 Academy program, Atiqa will compete in the Champions of the Future Academy Program Championship. This elite racing series consists of six rounds across Europe and the Middle East, offering her invaluable experience against the best young drivers from around the world.
How F1 Academy is Investing in Atiqa’s Growth
The F1 Academy is providing Atiqa with extensive support, including:
- Financial backing to cover racing expenses.
- Technical training to enhance her driving skills.
- Fitness and mental preparation to build resilience and focus.
This investment ensures that Atiqa receives world-class training and development, giving her the best chance to succeed in motorsport.
Atiqa’s Reaction to Her Historic Selection
Speaking about her selection, Atiqa expressed immense joy and gratitude:
“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 to repay the faith put in me by Formula 1 Academy. It is massively encouraging for me, and I take great pride in representing my country.”
The Role of Susie Wolff in Promoting Female Talent
Susie Wolff, a former racing driver and the Managing Director of F1 Academy, has been instrumental in pushing for greater female representation in motorsport. She believes in creating real opportunities for young girls in racing, stating:
“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.”
Her leadership has paved the way for young racers like Atiqa to break barriers and chase their dreams.
Impact on Indian Motorsport and Women in Racing
Atiqa’s selection is a huge milestone for Indian motorsport and female racers. Her success:
- Inspires young girls in India to pursue motorsport.
- Puts India on the global map for developing top racing talent.
- Highlights the growing support for female racers in international circuits.
What’s Next for Atiqa Mir?
With the support of F1 Academy, Atiqa will now focus on competing in the Champions of the Future Academy Championship. If she continues to impress, she could progress to higher levels of single-seater racing, potentially reaching Formula 3, Formula 2, and even Formula 1 in the future.
Atiqa Mir’s journey is just beginning, and her story is one of inspiration and determination. With the backing of F1 Academy, she is set to make waves in Indian motorsport, paving the way for future generations of female racers.
