Abu Dhabi: Indian racing prodigy Atiqa Mir created history by clinching a sensational pole position and securing a podium finish in the opening round of the Formula 1 Academy-backed COTFA UAE Karting Series.
The 10-year-old from Jammu and Kashmir, who is the first Indian to be supported by Formula 1, continues to make waves in the international karting arena. Already competing in the Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA) international series, Atiqa was recently selected by the F1 Academy to participate in the two-round COTFA UAE Championship.
Under the spotlight of heightened attention, Atiqa delivered an outstanding performance — becoming the first-ever female driver globally to take pole position in the COTFA Mini class. She followed it up with a Heat race victory and capped off a memorable weekend with a third-place finish in the final.
The young racer entered the event on the back of a stellar October, during which she earned multiple podiums and a race win at the RMC Championship.
“It was a great weekend for me pace-wise — getting pole in qualifying felt amazing. I wanted the win in the final but had to settle for third. I’ll learn from this and come back stronger,” said Atiqa, reflecting on her performance.
The COTFA series operates with standardized equipment and engines, ensuring equal opportunities for all drivers and letting raw talent shine through.
Atiqa’s father, Asif Mir, India’s first National Karting Champion, described the weekend as “bittersweet.”
“I thought we had the pace and track position to win. While a bit disappointed, it’s a good sign when third place feels like a letdown. Atiqa raced brilliantly and gave it her all,” he said.
