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Atiqa Mir, 10, Takes First Female COTFA Mini Pole and Third in F1-Backed UAE Opener

The Jammu and Kashmir racer is the first Indian backed by Formula 1, selected by F1 Academy for the equal-equipment, two-round COTFA UAE series.

Overview

  • In the Abu Dhabi opening round, Mir became the first female to secure pole in COTFA Mini, won a heat, and finished third in the final.
  • She was picked by F1 Academy for the UAE COTFA program and is the first Indian to receive direct support from Formula 1.
  • COTFA runs identical karts and engines to create a level technical baseline that spotlights driver ability.
  • Mir said the weekend showed strong speed and that she will learn from taking third after starting from pole.
  • Father Asif Mir described the result as "bittersweet," noting they had the pace to win following an October run that included multiple podiums and an RMC victory.