Young Indian Karting Star Atiqa Mir Shatters Gender Barriers in Racing

At just 11 years old, Atiqa Mir is making headlines in the karting world, proving her mettle against male competitors in Europe. As the first Indian supported by the Formula 1 Academy, she is not only achieving podium finishes but also aiming for a future in Formula 1, a sport where women have been absent for decades. With her remarkable talent and determination, Atiqa is breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of female racers. Read on to learn more about her journey and aspirations in motorsport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 22, 2026, 12:11 IST

A Rising Star in Karting

At just 11 years old, Atiqa Mir is making waves in the competitive world of karting, particularly in the 12-14 age group on the European circuit. Her impressive performance in her debut year has garnered significant attention, as noted in a recent announcement.

Overcoming Challenges on the Track

In a sport traditionally dominated by males, Atiqa faces challenges from older male competitors who sometimes attempt to intimidate her during races. However, she stands her ground, showcasing her remarkable talent as the first Indian supported by the Formula 1 Academy, and is not afraid to engage in fierce competition.

Podium Success and Remarkable Speed

Atiqa has quickly advanced to the OKN-J (Junior) category, moving up from the mini category due to her exceptional skills. She has become a standout performer, consistently outpacing many male racers in a crowded field of up to 40 karts. Her season kicked off with a strong second-place qualifying position at the WSK Super Masters, followed by a podium finish in Valencia during the Champions of the Future Academy series.

Aiming for Formula 1

While she continues to excel in karting, Atiqa's ultimate goal is to compete in Formula 1, a realm where no woman has participated since 1992. The young racer from Jammu and Kashmir looks up to four-time world champion Max Verstappen, which fuels her competitive spirit on the track.

"Motorsport is a mixed-gender sport, but the male dominance has kept many women out of Formula 1. I believe that with confidence and determination, I will make it there one day," Atiqa stated, currently racing in Italy.

Dealing with On-Track Bullying

The aggressive tactics from male competitors no longer faze Atiqa. She emphasizes that gender is not a barrier in her racing journey, focusing instead on her growth as a driver. "Sometimes they brake check me, which is common in karting, but I've learned to handle it over time," she explained, reflecting on her experiences during races.

Inspired by Racing, Not Family Legacy

Coming from a racing background, with her father Asir Mir being India's first national karting champion, Atiqa's passion for racing was not a result of family pressure. She became captivated by the sport after witnessing the thrilling 2021 Formula 1 season finale between Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen.

"I didn't start racing because of my dad. I only became aware of Formula 1 in 2021, and watching that Abu Dhabi Grand Prix inspired me greatly," she recalled.

The Road Ahead

Although Atiqa has a long journey ahead to fulfill her Formula 1 aspirations, she is steadily breaking through barriers in the karting world, one race at a time.