‘Happy to make history’ - Luna Fluxa Cross on becoming the 2024 Champions of the Future Academy Champion

Luna Fluxa Cross had been a force to be reckoned with all season long, but the 14-year-old’s efforts finally paid off at the sixth and final round of the 2024 Champions of the Future Academy Program as she was crowned Champion in the OK-N Senior category.

Scoring her sixth victory of the campaign at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort was enough for Fluxa Cross to seal the title with one day’s action to go — becoming the first female winner of an FIA international championship since Susanna ‘Susy’ Raganelli won the World Karting Championship in 1966.

Reflecting on the magnitude of her achievement, Fluxa Cross said: “It’s the first time their doing this event (COTFA) and it feels great to win it in the first year. I’m really happy to make history by being the second female to win an FIA Karting Championship since 1966.

“I think I’ve developed very good over this season. I’ve learnt a lot, and I’m very happy to continue and very excited (…) The support from Iron Dames, Mercedes and F1 ACADEMY has been amazing, I really appreciate it.”

Overshadowing her rivals, Fluxa Cross’ consistency made her formidable competition. Securing points on all but one occasion, the Spaniard finished on the podium in 75% of the Finals and achieved the Senior title by 125 points.

Naturally delighted by her dominant performances, she admitted that the unfamiliarity of Round 4’s venue in Dubai was her biggest challenge, but one she quickly overcame with two top six finishes.

“The highlight of this season has been winning 50% of the races, six out of 12, which was really good,” Fluxa Cross summarised. “I did nine podiums, which I’m very proud of. I think Dubai, which was the fourth round, was the trickiest. This was due to the tough track and (it was) my first time being there.”

Continuing to hone her racecraft in karting next season, Fluxa Cross already has her goals set on eye on progressing up the ladder and is eagerly awaiting her first run behind the wheel of a single-seater.

“My preparation is training everyday and getting ready physically, just taking it step by step,” she explained. “Next year, I’ll do karting again and then in 2026, hopefully move into single-seaters. We’ll start testing in single-seater next year and I’m very looking forward to it.”