Atiqa Asif Mir, an 11-year-old girl from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, has become the first Indian and the first Asian female driver to be selected for Formula 1 Academy's 'Discover Your Drive' development programme.
The global initiative identifies and nurtures promising young female racing drivers from around the world.
Atiqa has competed against boys in both India and Europe, often finishing ahead of them.
Having started karting at the age of six, Atiqa has now made a name for herself in one of the world's most competitive youth motorsport arenas.
In the recently held "Champions of the Future Academy Program" in Greece, Atiqa secured pole position by winning all her heat races and claimed a stunning victory in the final. With this achievement, she became only the third driver in the series' history to complete a "clean sweep".
"I do professional go-karting. I got inspired by my father, who was a former Formula Asia driver and India's first national karting champion. I saw him race in Dubai and wanted to follow in his footsteps," she said during an interview with a local television channel in Kashmir.
Atiqa, who is based in Dubai with her parents, recently visited Kashmir to meet her relatives.
"I wake up at 5 a.m. every day and begin with cardio training. I work extensively on my fitness and spend hours on the simulator to improve my driving skills," she said.
Her father, Asif Mir, continues to be her biggest source of inspiration. A former Formula Asia driver and India's first national karting champion, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Atiqa's racing career.
Her selection for the Formula 1 Academy's 'Discover Your Drive' programme is being viewed as a significant milestone not only for Atiqa but also for Indian motorsport.
Recently, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met and interacted with the young racing sensation, who has been steadily making her mark on the international motorsport circuit through the prestigious Champions of the Future Kart Racing Series.
Impressed by her talent, dedication, and achievements at such a young age, the chief minister expressed confidence that it would not be long before Atiqa joins a major racing team and climbs to the pinnacle of motorsport—Formula 1.
"Atiqa's journey is an inspiration for aspiring athletes across Kashmir and beyond, proving that determination and passion can pave the way to the world's biggest sporting stages," Omar Abdullah said.
Atiqa Meets Salman Khan
Last week, Atiqa met Bollywood superstar Salman Khan at his residence in Mumbai.
"Thrilled to meet Salman Khan today. It was so exciting and so much fun. Thank you for all your encouraging words of support. They give me so much motivation to work even harder and bring laurels to the country," Atiqa posted on her social media page after meeting the Bollywood superstar.
The post quickly went viral, drawing admiration from fans of both the young racing prodigy and Salman Khan.
WIAA honours Atiqa
The Western Indian Automobile Association welcomed and honoured Atiqa Mir, India's national and international go-kart champion, to its headquarters in Mumbai.
"At just 11 years of age, Atiqa has already created history through her remarkable achievements in global motorsport. From becoming the vice-champion of the UAE IAME National Karting Championship, to being the first Indian female to win a race at the Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy in France, and the first Indian and Asian driver selected for the Formula 1 Academy's Discover Your Drive programme, she continues to make India proud". WIAA stated in its official statement.
