PARIS, France — The FIA has praised 11-year-old Indian racer Atiqa Mir for her performances in international karting, saying emerging talents such as the young driver are helping redefine the future of motorsport.
- FIA has highlighted Atiqa Mir’s performances in international karting competitions.
- Atiqa is the first Indian driver to receive backing from F1 Academy.
- She recently recorded two top-10 finishes in an FIA European Championship round in Sweden.
- Her long-term ambition is to reach Formula 1, where no woman has competed since 1992.
FIA backs India’s Atiqa Mir’s rising profile
The international motorsport governing body has taken note of Atiqa’s rapid progress against more experienced competitors. Despite being only 11, she is competing in the 12-14 age category across karting series in Europe.
The FIA described her recent performances as evidence of the potential of young drivers entering the sport through developing talent pathways. The organisation said her progress reflects the possibilities available to emerging racers with access to international competition.
“Rising stars such as Atiqa Mir are redefining the future of motorsport and her recent success shows how bright the future is for our sport,” the FIA said in a social media post.
Atiqa’s development has already taken her beyond domestic competition. She has represented India at the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup and has begun competing in international FIA Karting competitions as she works towards a professional racing career.
Atiqa Mir making an impact in European karting
The Indian teenager has produced several notable results during a busy period of international competition. In May, she completed a sweep of Round 2 of the Champions of the Future Academy in Greece.
Her progress continued in Sweden earlier this month, where she became the youngest Indian driver to register two top-10 finishes in an FIA European Championship round, according to the supplied report.
Those results have strengthened her profile among young international drivers and demonstrated her ability to compete against racers with greater experience in European karting.
Young Indian racer impressed in Italy
Atiqa’s performance in Italy last month attracted further attention when she outqualified Mercedes junior Niccolo Perico during Round 3 of the Champions of the Future Academy series.
The FIA subsequently highlighted the performance, describing it as a standout showing in a highly competitive international field. According to the governing body, Atiqa secured pole position and set an event record during the event.
“At the recent Champions of the Future Academy Program event in Italy, 11-year-old Atiqa Mir from India delivered a standout performance, securing pole position and setting an event record against a highly competitive international field,” the FIA said.
The performance was significant not only because of the result but also because it came against an international field that included more established young competitors. It added another milestone to Atiqa’s developing career.
F1 ambition drives Atiqa’s motorsport journey
Atiqa has set her sights on the highest level of four-wheel racing. Her ultimate ambition is to reach Formula 1, although she still has a long development path ahead as she continues to compete in junior karting categories.
She is also the first Indian to be backed by F1 Academy, an important milestone in her progression through the sport. The support adds to the opportunities available to her as she gains experience in international competition.
Formula 1 has not seen a female driver compete since 1992, making Atiqa’s long-term ambition part of a much larger challenge facing women seeking opportunities at the highest level of motorsport.
FIA highlights wider access to motorsport
The FIA linked Atiqa’s progress to its broader efforts to make motorsport more accessible and strengthen pathways for young talent. The governing body said competition at an early stage can help aspiring drivers develop their skills and gain experience.
“Through initiatives that broaden access to motorsport and strengthen talent pathways, the FIA is committed to helping more young people discover and succeed in our sport,” the FIA said.
Atiqa’s performances have therefore emerged as a notable example of a young Indian driver making an impact on the international karting scene. Her results in Greece, Italy and Sweden have provided a series of milestones as she continues to build her racing career.
Atiqa Mir’s journey gathers momentum
With backing from her FIA Member Club, the Western India Automobile Association, Atiqa has already competed internationally on India’s behalf and is now progressing through FIA Karting competitions.
The FIA’s public endorsement adds further recognition to her recent results, but her immediate focus remains on developing as a driver through competitive karting. At 11, she remains at an early stage of a journey that she hopes will eventually take her to Formula 1.
For Indian motorsport, her emergence provides a new name to follow on the international karting circuit. For the FIA, Atiqa represents the kind of young talent that can benefit from wider access to competition and structured development opportunities.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Content Creator of The Nation Bulletin, an independent digital news platform focused on delivering timely, reliable and meaningful news from India and around the world.
