Indian racing sensation Atiqa Mir, a 10-year-old, has taken the motorsport world by storm with a historic performance in the Formula 1 Academy-backed COTFA UAE karting series. In a weekend full of pressure and flashes, Atiqa raced her way to becoming the first-ever female to claim pole position in the COTFA mini class, before sealing an impressive podium finish by coming third in the final race.
This isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a landmark moment for Indian motorsport and female racers globally, a 10-year-old coming from the land of Jammu and Kashmir, breaking barriers at such a young age.
Atiqa Mir’s Historic Milestone
Atiqa Mir is a young prodigy from Jammu and Kashmir who is also the first Indian to receive support from Formula 1 itself, bringing the full package to the track: lightning speed, precision, and a fearless race spirit. Her weekend started perfectly with that pole position, putting her on the front row of the grid and setting the tone for an epic battle ahead.
Although the final race win narrowly slipped through her fingers, Atiqa’s third-place podium was a clear statement that she belonged among the best young drivers on the grid, holding her own against the world’s brightest karting talents.
Coming off a stellar October with multiple podiums and even a race victory at the RMC Championship, Atiqa carried that momentum into the UAE series, where the stakes were even higher with added pressure. “It was a great weekend for me speed-wise. I wanted the win in the final, but came away with 3rd. I will learn from this weekend and try and improve,” said Atiqa Mir.
Her father, Asif Mir, India’s first National Karting Champion, expressed mixed feelings about the weekend. “A bittersweet weekend. We thought the pace and track position were there to win. Slightly disappointed but also mindful that if we’re upset by a 3rd place in such a big race, we must be doing something right. Atiqa raced hard all weekend,” he said, capturing the essence of a young driver on a steep learning curve but already racing with the heart of a champion.
Not Just A Personal Achievement
Atiqa Mir’s rise is not just a feel-good story; it has serious implications for Indian motorsport and female representation in racing. As the first Indian and Asian female to break such barriers in karting, she’s backed by the F1 Academy’s “Discover Your Drive” program, aimed at nurturing the next generation of female racing talent. Each success of hers adds momentum to a movement that’s creating a more diverse and competitive future on the racetrack.
So, what’s next for Atiqa Mir? With the speed she’s showing and the support of the F1 Academy behind her, the sky’s the limit. A 10-year-old with the pace of a seasoned racer isn’t just dreaming; she’s already racing toward a future where she could be the first female Formula 1 World Champion. Keep your eyes on this rising star; the motorsport world has a new prodigy to talk about, and she’s just getting started.
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