At just 10 years old, Atiqa Mir from Jammu and Kashmir has etched her name in motorsport history as the first Indian and Asian racer selected for the Formula 1 Academy’s Discover Your Drive (DYD) program. Announced today, this milestone highlights her meteoric rise in karting and signals a bright future for Indian talent on the global stage.

The F1 Academy, a female-only racing series owned by Formula 1, handpicked Atiqa—one of only three drivers in the 8-11 age group worldwide—for its initiative to nurture young talent. She’ll represent the Academy in the Champions of the Future Academy Program Championship, starting this weekend, with six rounds across Europe and the Middle East. The program offers financial, technical, and mental support, a game-changer for the young karter already signed for a full 2025 season with the World Series Karting (WSK) Championships.

Atiqa’s journey reflects raw talent and determination. Last month, she became the first Indian female to secure a WSK season with Babyrace, following a standout test in Italy. Her third-place finish in the Champions of the Future final in December 2024 further showcased her skill. “Being chosen by F1 Academy is a huge honor for me and India,” Atiqa said. “I’ll work hard to repay their faith.”

Led by Susie Wolff, the F1 Academy aims to propel female racers toward Formula 1, a pinnacle yet unreached by women. “We need action, not just talk,” Wolff remarked, emphasizing the program’s role in building a competitive pipeline. For India, where motorsport infrastructure lags, Atiqa’s breakthrough—backed by her father, ex-karter Asif Nazir Mir—offers hope. At 10, she’s already breaking barriers, with her eyes set on racing’s biggest prize.