11-year-old NRI racing prodigy Atiqa Mir becomes most successful Indian karter on global stage
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Eleven-year-old NRI racing prodigy Atiqa Mir has capped off a ground-breaking 2025 by becoming the most successful Indian karter in the international arena in her category.
Atiqa, born in Mumbai and now based in Dubai, is the first Indian to be supported by the Formula 1 Academy.
She made some record-breaking moves on the track during the past year, including four pole positions, two final wins, six heat wins, six podiums and eight fastest laps driving against strong male-dominated international grid in the mini category.
Also backed by the Abu Dhabi-based Akcel GP Academy, Atiqa said that the past season had pushed her to the limit and made her a better driver. She is looking forward to an even more competitive 2026.
“So much has happened and I have tasted international success. I have also received great support from my fans here in India and abroad. My motivation is higher than ever tonight and I can’t wait for the new season to start,” said the young racer on New Year’s Eve in Dubai.
In an August 2025 interview with the Dubai-based media house Gulf News, Atiqa had said, “I always loved cars and speed. Since I was a baby, I only collected cars — never dolls or soft toys like other girls. I was different.”
Atiqa’s ultimate goal is to break into Formula 1, something that has not been done by a female racer for decades. It remains to be seen if she stays in the mini category or moves up the ladder.
Her father Asif Mir, India’s first national karting champion, was satisfied with how the year 2025 panned out for his talented daughter. “Atiqa has worked tirelessly throughout the year to improve and has shown winning results. She has driven all her races internationally against the world’s best drivers and has done well,” he said.
“It is encouraging and gives us a lot to look forward to for the future. There are a lot of exciting developments for 2026 and we will continue her rigorous development to reach our ultimate goal: Formula 1,” summed up Mir.
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