Motorsport

Atiqa, India's rising karting star, making waves in Europe.

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Jul 14, 2026, 21:31 IST

Meet Atiqa Mir, India's karting prodigy, who faces obstacles and thrives in Europe while pursuing her dream of Formula 1.

Atiqa, India's rising karting star, making waves in Europe.

The journey to success in single-seater racing often begins in the world of karting, a highly competitive arena that serves as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring drivers. In India, where the search for the next Formula 1 driver continues, one standout talent is 11-year-old Atiqa Mir from Jammu & Kashmir. Currently residing in the UAE, Atiqa is following in the footsteps of her father, Asif Nazir Mir, who made history as India’s first National karting champion.

Atiqa is making significant strides in Europe, where she has been actively participating in various karting competitions. Her recent performance at the Champions of the Future Academy race in Greece was particularly impressive, as she not only excelled in qualifying but also dominated both heats and the final race. Reflecting on her victory, Atiqa shared, “The most memorable part of the weekend was crossing the line and raising my hand, telling P1 and then listening to the national anthem.” Currently, she holds the fifth position in the championship standings after three rounds of competition.

Overcoming Challenges on the Track

What began as a recreational activity quickly evolved into a serious pursuit for Atiqa when she secured second place in her first competitive outing at the UAE National Championship. Her success continued as she claimed the title of vice-champion in the rookie category of the mini division in the same championship, which bolstered her confidence in racing against her male counterparts. “That gave me a little bit more confidence racing against the boys,” she noted.

Despite her achievements, Atiqa has faced challenges, including instances of bullying from male competitors on the track. She recounted, “They don’t like to lose to a girl and try to push me off the track, but then I do the same to them, and then they learn from it.” Last year marked a significant milestone in her career when she became the first Indian and Asian driver to be signed by the Formula 1 Academy, an initiative aimed at supporting female racers.

Aiming for the Future

While Atiqa's ultimate aspiration is to compete in Formula 1, she remains focused on her current path, emphasizing the importance of taking gradual steps. “The pathway to get there is just to finish karting and then go, for me, as early as possible to Formula 4,” she explained. With her determination and talent, Atiqa Mir is undoubtedly on the right track to achieving her dreams in motorsport.

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