At just 11 years old, Indian karting sensation Atiqa Mir is establishing herself as one of the country’s brightest motorsport talents. After her historic victory at the Champions of the Future Academy round in Greece, the young racer says her ultimate goal is to become a Formula One driver and compete at the front of the grid.
Atiqa recently became the third driver in the history of the Champions of the Future Academy to complete a clean sweep by coming first in qualifiers, winning every heat race and claiming victory in the final. She became the first Indian and Asian female racer selected for the Formula One Academy’s prestigious Discover Your Drive development programme, marking a milestone in Indian racing history.
Speaking to The Breakfast Club, Atiqa described the selection as a proud moment, saying the programme provides young female drivers with financial, physical and mental support while helping them progress through the ranks of motorsport.
Representing India on the international stage remains one of her greatest motivations. “I’m really honoured to represent India because it’s such a big country. I’m proud to wear the Indian flag wherever I race,” she said.
Despite her growing list of achievements, Atiqa Mir believes she is still at the beginning of her journey. With Formula 4 competition only open to drivers over 14 years of age, she is using the coming years to sharpen her racing skills and prepare for the next stage of her career.
Aside from driving laps, her daily routine involves fitness training, simulator sessions, schoolwork and hobbies such as badminton, drawing and reading. She credits her father, former Formula Asia racer Asif Nazir Mir, for playing multiple roles as coach, mentor and biggest supporter, while maintaining a disciplined training environment.
Atiqa encouraged young girls to dream beyond traditional barriers, saying motorsport is for everyone, believing that success depends on confidence and self-belief rather than gender, adding that her ambition is not only to reach Formula One but to win championships and titles.
The young racer hopes to become one of the sport’s biggest names, with a long-term vision of racing in Formula One and inspiring more Indian girls to pursue careers in motorsport.
