ATIQA MIR Eyes F1 History as First Indian Woman in Championship

July 9, 2026

• ATIQA MIR, 11, from Srinagar became first Kashmiri female to win at Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy in France, earning selection to Iron Dames Young Talent Programme and F1 Academy’s Discover Your Drive initiative.
• Racing in Europe’s OKN-J junior category against older rivals, MIR topped qualifying and swept all races in Thessaloniki—only third driver ever to complete perfect weekend in Champions of the Future Academy series history.
• MIR became first Indian driver on podium in European Champions of the Future Academy karting series, finishing third overall before joining championship-winning Modena Racing Team for 2026 WSK season, key Formula One proving ground.
• Emphasizing intelligence over aggression, MIR aims to become first Indian woman in Formula One since no woman has started F1 race since Giovanna Amati’s 1992 qualifying attempt, facing significant financial and competitive barriers ahead.

all-female f1 academy, champions of the future, okn-j, rotax max challenge