Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cheered on the region’s rising star in motorsport, 11-year-old Atiqa Mir, after she grabbed fourth place at the recent European Karting Championship in Slovakia. This feat marks her as the union territory’s first Formula 1 racing prodigy and the best result yet for an Indian and female driver in the event.
Abdullah shared his excitement on social media, praising Atiqa’s natural talent and passion for racing. “Well done to young Atiqa. Her natural talent & enthusiasm for racing shine through. I hope the day is not far when she will be the first Kashmiri to race at the pinnacle of motor racing – F1. Keep up the good work Atiqa & best wishes always,” he wrote, wishing her the top spot in Formula 1 someday.
Hailing from Srinagar, Atiqa has already made history as the first Indian and Asian girl picked for Formula 1 Academy’s “Discover Your Drive” program, which scouts and nurtures young female talent in racing. Backed by F1, she’s competing against top international drivers in Europe and the Middle East, chasing her dream of reaching the big leagues.
Atiqa’s journey started young, inspired by her dad, Asif Nazir Mir, a former Formula Asia driver and Indian national karting champion. She kicked off competitive karting in the UAE at age six, racing electric karts for fun before going pro. Born in Srinagar, she moved to Dubai early on, and her father has been her biggest supporter every step of the way.
Her trophy case is stacking up fast. In the 2022-23 season, Atiqa snagged vice-champion honors in the UAE IAME National Karting Championship’s Mini R category. She hit the podium at the IAME Summer Cup in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit in February 2025. That same year, she became the first Indian female driver to qualify for the finals of the Rotax Euro Trophy in Italy’s South Garda.
Atiqa kept the wins coming, taking first in a Micro Max race at the Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy in Le Mans, France, in 2024—the first girl to do so in the series. She joined Italy’s Babyrace Driver Academy in January 2025 to tackle the WSK Karting Series. She’s also the only Asian selected for the Iron Dames Young Talent program that year.
In 2025, F1 Academy chose her for “Discover Your Drive” as one of the youngest and the sole Asian participant. Soon after, UAE-based team AKCEL GP, linked to F1 Academy, signed her on. With her speed and determination, Atiqa Mir is speeding toward Formula 1 glory and inspiring the next generation of Indian racers.
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