Atiqa Mir - India’s Youngest Karting Champion on Racing, Records & Rising to Formula 1

 

Atiqa Mir Interview

Atiqa Mir isn’t just breaking records — she’s rewriting the future of motorsport. At just 10 years old, this Indian karting prodigy has already claimed victories at Le Mans, set lap records in the UAE, and stood on podiums across Europe. Backed by the F1 Academy and nominated by the Iron Dames, she is fast becoming a symbol of grit, ambition, and global potential.

In this high-speed interview, Atiqa shares her love for racing, her proudest wins, and the mindset that drives her toward becoming the first female to win in modern Formula 1.

Q. Atiqa, you’re one of the youngest and most accomplished racers in your field. What first sparked your love for racing, and how did your family support your early passion?

I started racing because of my dad who was a Former Formula Asia driver. I got inspired by him and that’s why I started Karting. Nothing I’m doing would be possible without the support of my parents. They always believed in me and what I wanted to do in life.

Q. You made history as the first Indian to finish in the Top 10 at the Rotax Euro Trophy—a massive achievement. What emotions went through your mind when you crossed that finish line?

I was thrilled. The entire weekend I was up front in the dry and we were all expecting a great result. But as it rained on race day, the conditions were hard and I had never driven here in the wet. This made the result even more special.

“That finish meant even more because it came in tough, unfamiliar conditions.”

Q. Between your RMCIT Le Mans victory and your IAME UAE Vice Championship, which race stands out as your proudest moment so far?

I think the RMCIT Le Mans victory was the better one out of the two because it had more competitive drivers and  I actually won it competing with them. In the IAME UAE Vice Championship I came second so that’s why I chose the RMCIT Le Mans victory as the better one and more joyful than the other one.

Q. Balancing school, training, and international travel sounds exhausting! How do you manage your time, and do you have any hobbies outside of motorsports?

My school GEMS Jumeirah Primary School has been very kind to me over the years. Whenever I’ve had to do an early leave or even school leaves for a week they’ve always let me. 

Regarding my training, if I’m in Europe, I do my training at the place I’m staying for that particular event but if I’m in Dubai at home, I prefer to do my workouts in the gym. 

My hobbies are all related to karting, like doing workouts. I also like to play volleyball and badminton too, which are also related to sports.


Q. Many young racers look up to you now. Who were your own racing heroes growing up, and what advice have they given you?

Honestly, I didn’t know any racers except for my dad until 2020 really because I just recently I started watching F1 and the actual race. 

I remember watching my first race at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and since then, I seriously started watching F1. Mainly, my dad has given me the most advice throughout my karting career. He always says that any opponent kart is just a number.

“My dad always says — any opponent kart is just a number.”

Q. Racing requires incredible focus. Do you have any pre-race rituals or mental strategies to stay calm under pressure?

Yes, racing does require a lot of focus and practice especially when you’re competing against tough grids and drivers. 

I actually become very nervous before the race start because several things that could go wrong in karting/racing come to my head and mind at that time. 

 I use breathing exercises to calm myself down and remind myself that every driver feels nervous. That’s completely normal.

Q. With such an incredible start, what’s your ultimate dream? Is Formula 1 or Le Mans 24 Hours in your future?

My goal in the future is to reach and win in Formula 1, and to be the first female in modern F1. 

I’m confident that I will reach there. It is a long journey and it needs a lot of hard work and dedication which I’m up for. I am very grateful for the support and love of all my fans which really inspire me.

Also, a little inspirational message to all the girls out there; “Believe in yourself, find a passion, dream it, follow it, work hard at it, never give up and most importantly, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it”.

“Believe in yourself, follow your passion, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.”

About Atiqa Mir

Atiqa Mir is the highest-ranked female karting driver under 10 in the world — and a rising motorsport icon. She’s the first Indian and Asian female to finish Top 10 at the Rotax Euro Trophy and the only girl to win at the prestigious RMCIT Le Mans. She holds multiple lap records in the UAE and was selected for the F1 Academy’s Discover Your Drive program, among just 3 girls globally.

Recognized by the Iron Dames initiative and backed by elite driver development programs, Atiqa is building a legacy of excellence and empowerment. She’s a bold, fearless role model for girls everywhere — proving the future of F1 isn’t just fast, it’s female.

Follow Atiqa's Journey on Instagram

Interviewed By Irene Elina Eldhose

Atiqa Mir is proof that age and gender are no limits — only fuel.

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