Formula 1

Indian Karting Prodigy Atiqa Mir Selected for FIA Girls On Track Rising Stars

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Nov 14, 2026, 20:02 IST

Eleven-year-old Atiqa Mir has been named as one of nine junior drivers globally for the 2026 FIA Girls On Track Rising Stars program, marking a significant milestone for the young Indian racer.

Indian Karting Prodigy Atiqa Mir Selected for FIA Girls On Track Rising Stars

Atiqa Mir, an 11-year-old racing talent from India, has secured a place in the prestigious FIA Girls On Track Rising Stars program for 2026. She is the only Indian representative chosen for the junior category, which focuses on identifying and nurturing promising female drivers at the grassroots level of motorsport.

The initiative, established by the FIA in 2018, aims to provide a structured pathway for young women to develop their skills on the global stage. As one of the youngest participants in this year's cohort, Mir’s inclusion highlights her rapid progression in the sport, having already made history as the first Indian driver to receive support from the F1 Academy.

A Global Opportunity for Development

Mir’s selection follows a series of standout performances in international karting competitions. Her recent resume includes a dominant showing at a Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA) round in Greece, as well as a sixth-place finish during the opening race of the FIA Karting World Championship. She is currently balancing her commitments to the program with the final round of the COTFA series.

The FIA Women in Motorsport Commission has confirmed that the nine selected junior drivers will travel to the Cremona Circuit in Italy in just over two weeks. There, they will participate in a three-day intensive training camp aimed at refining their technical abilities and preparing them for the next stage of their racing careers.

International Representation

The junior category cohort features a diverse group of young racers from across the globe. Alongside Mir, the selected drivers include Lina Salamanca from France, Sofia Calderon from Costa Rica, and Cora Moore representing Great Britain. The group also features Anna Regina Franco Rodriguez of Mexico, Lily Rizk from Egypt, Kira Maistrenko representing Ukraine, Annais Orellana from Chile, and Emily Grace Hamer of Australia.

This selection marks a significant step forward for the young Indian driver as she continues to compete against top-tier international talent. The FIA-backed program remains a critical platform for fostering the next generation of female motorsport professionals, providing them with the resources and exposure necessary to advance in the highly competitive world of racing.