ATIQA MIR Tops Mercedes F1 Juniors for Pole at COTFA Academy Round 3

July 18, 2026

• ATIQA MIR, 11, outqualified Mercedes F1 juniors Niccolo Perico and Devin Titz for pole at COTFA Round 3 on the technical Leopard Circuit despite zero testing time, setting an event record.
• The first Indian backed by Formula 1 Academy secured P2 and P3 in heats before leading the final early, then finished P6 after engine mis-fire cost her position.
• Engine trouble plagued Day 2 qualifying (P27), but ATIQA’s recovery drive through the field showed raw speed before a collision ended her final after passing nine karts in 1.5 laps.
• Fresh off sweeping COTFA Round 2 in Greece, ATIQA demonstrated elite pace against established international competition despite mechanical setbacks preventing podium finishes at Leopard Circuit.

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