India is steadily emerging as one of the largest motorsport audiences globally, and the nine-year-old karting sensation Atiqa Mir, is making her mark in this evolving scene. Beginning her journey at just five years old with indoor karting, she quickly advanced to the UAE National Championship, where she gained recognition for her talent. With her father’s constant support, Mir is challenging stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of female drivers.
World Champion In The Making
In conversation with ELLE, Mir spoke about her quick progress through the ranks. “When I moved up, my dad set a target time for me,” she recalls. “I beat it, which led to me competing in the national championship in my age category.” Her dedication paid off this season with an impressive record of four poles, six podium finishes, and one major victory against competitors from nearly 40 countries. During her debut full season in the UAE IAME National Karting Championship’s Mini R class, the youngster secured the highest placing finish for a female under-10 in any CIK FIA national championship in 2023–24 when she was crowned vice-champion.
Reflecting on her achievements, she expressed immense pride, especially as a female racer in a male-dominated sport. “I feel really proud because females don’t always get the opportunity and support in motorsport,” she said. “I am incredibly proud to be the vice-champion and the first female to win at Le Mans in France.”
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Road To Formula 1
Looking to the future, she has her sights set high. While the F1 Academy is a possibility, she has her ambitions firmly directed toward competing in Formula One itself, “my goal is to win the F1 Championship one day and to represent India and my team on that global stage.” When it comes to who inspires her Formula One dream, she draws motivation from several top drivers. “I’m a huge fan of Max Verstappen, George Russell, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri,” she shared. Though she primarily follows F1, she keeps an eye on other motorsports, watching races like the recent event in Baku. “I followed the race closely, especially the last few laps,” she noted, highlighting her engagement with the sport.
Beyond The Sport
Outside of karting, her life revolves around the sport. She diligently balances her academics with her racing commitments, often doing homework to ensure she stays on track. “I also practise on the simulator every day and compete against my dad, which is a lot of fun,” she added. “We work out together, too, especially on days when I’m not karting.”
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After securing a pole position or a victory, she remains grounded. “While I’m thrilled about winning, I know there’s always room for improvement,” she said. “Setting a lap record doesn’t mean I can’t go faster. There’s always more to strive for.”
Her message to young girls dreaming of a future in motorsports is powerful and clear. “Believe in yourself and work hard. With dedication, and physical and mental strength, you can achieve anything in life. Never give up and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it,” she urged. As she continues to live her motorsports dreams ahead, one needs to keep an eye on this little star.
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