Formula 1 Academy has extended its backing to 10-year-old Indian racing prodigy Atiqa Mir, selecting her for its newly launched COTFA in the UAE
Formula 1 Academy on Friday announced expanded support for 10-year-old Indian racer Atiqa Mir, who has been chosen for the Champions of the Future Academy Program (COTFA) UAE, a new initiative aimed at nurturing young talent.
The selection means Atiqa will now receive F1 Academy backing for the two-round national karting championship in the UAE, in addition to the support she already receives for other competitions, including the international COTFA series through the Discover Your Drive (DYD) programme.
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Atiqa, who recently won a race in the RMC Championship earlier this month, is currently competing in the MENA Nations Cup in Qatar. She holds the distinction of being the first Indian to receive both technical and financial support from Formula 1.
In a statement, F1 Academy said: “Since its launch in 2023, COTFA has made significant strides in increasing female participation, with the percentage of female drivers on the grid rising from 5% in its inaugural year to 30% in 2025, an incredible leap that reflects the growing impact that COTFA and F1 Academy are having on future female talent.”
The UAE and Britain are the two new national initiatives under the COTFA umbrella, with Atiqa selected for the UAE leg in the 8–11 age category. The first round in the UAE is scheduled from 7–9 November.
Former racer and F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff said the growth in female participation was remarkable. “It’s incredible to see how quickly the level of female talent in this championship has risen. With everyone on the same specification equipment and a capped budget, it gives us a real sense of who stands out on merit alone,” Wolff said.
She added that the Academy’s support will now extend to 27 drivers across the international, UAE, and British series, reaffirming its commitment to developing young female racing talent.
The Champions of the Future Academy Program (COTFA) was launched to identify and develop young karting talent worldwide, serving as a feeder platform for higher levels of motorsport. The UAE expansion, announced this month, aims to strengthen opportunities for young drivers across the Middle East.
Atiqa Mir’s selection marks a significant milestone for Indian motorsport, highlighting the growing recognition of young female talent on international circuits. Her participation in the MENA Nations Cup and previous victories in the RMC Championship have already positioned her as one of India’s brightest prospects in karting.
The F1 Academy, introduced in 2023, continues to focus on increasing gender diversity in motorsport. Under the leadership of Susie Wolff, it has helped boost female participation levels, providing equal access to equipment, funding, and mentorship.
With its expansion into new regions like the UAE and Britain, the Academy is expected to further elevate the profile of upcoming drivers such as Atiqa, creating a stronger pipeline for women in racing worldwide.
(With PTI inputs)
Published: 24 Oct 2025, 06:06 pm IST
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