UAE
UAE
UAE-based karting prodigy Atiqa Mir has created history by becoming the first Indian to secure a top-10 finish at the prestigious Rotax Euro Trophy, one of the world’s most competitive international karting championships. The 10-year-old racing sensation finished ninth overall at Round 2 of the Rotax Euro Trophy, held at the demanding Steel Ring Circuit over the weekend.
Importantly, Atiqa’s achievement marks another milestone not just for Indian motorsport but also for Asian representation on the global karting stage. Backed by AKCEL GP, the young driver once again demonstrated maturity beyond her years against a fiercely competitive international field.
Strong Qualifying Sets the Tone
From the outset, Atiqa showed strong pace. In qualifying, she finished seventh in her group, immediately placing herself among the frontrunners. However, despite picking up two bumper penalties during the heats, she remained composed. As a result, she still managed to end the heats in 10th position, underlining both her consistency and resilience.
Meanwhile, changing weather conditions added further complexity to the weekend. On Sunday, the pre-finals were hit by heavy rain, transforming the circuit into a treacherous test of skill and control.
Exceptional Wet-Weather Drive
Notably, Atiqa had no prior experience driving in wet conditions at the Steel Ring Circuit. Nevertheless, she adapted quickly. Even as more experienced drivers struggled for grip, she fought hard with some of the best young racers in the world, showcasing exceptional natural talent and racecraft.
Mentored by India’s first Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan, Atiqa qualified for the final and started 10th on the grid. The final race was held in even more challenging wet conditions. Although she dropped four places at the start, she mounted an impressive comeback. Eventually, she crossed the line in ninth place, sealing a historic top-10 finish.
Consequently, Atiqa ended the weekend as the highest-placed Indian and Asian driver in the field.
“I Learnt So Much This Weekend,” Says Atiqa
Reflecting on her performance, Atiqa described the weekend as a major learning experience.
“That was an amazing weekend. I learnt so much driving with the best drivers in the world. I had very good pace in the dry and my progress in the wet was good,” she said.
“The team and my mechanic Adam did a really good job this week, and I’m thankful to them, my parents, and all the people back home.”
A Championship with Formula 1 Roots
The Rotax Euro Trophy, often referred to as RMCET, is a premier international karting championship that uses Rotax MAX engines, among the most widely used kart engines globally. Significantly, the series has played a key role in shaping future Formula 1 stars.
Several current and former Formula 1 drivers, including reigning world champion Max Verstappen, George Russell, Lando Norris, and current championship leader Oscar Piastri, competed in the Rotax Euro Trophy during their formative years.
Rising Star from Srinagar to Dubai
Born in 2014 in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Atiqa Mir moved to Dubai at an early age. She began her racing journey with recreational electric karting before transitioning into professional competition. Her father, Asif Nazir Mir, a former national karting champion in India, has been a guiding force in her career.
Atiqa began competitive karting in the UAE at just six years old. During the 2022–23 season, she finished as vice-champion in the UAE IAME National Karting Championship in the Mini R category. Subsequently, in February 2025, she secured a podium finish at the IAME Summer Cup at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
International Success and Global Recognition
On the international stage, Atiqa has consistently broken new ground. In 2024, she became the first Indian female driver to qualify for the finals of the Rotax Euro Trophy in South Garda, Italy. Later that year, she made global headlines by winning a race in the Micro Max category at the Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy in Le Mans, France, becoming the first female racer ever to win a race in the series.
In January 2025, she joined the Babyrace Driver Academy in Italy to compete in the highly competitive WSK Karting Series. Additionally, she was selected as the only Asian driver for the Iron Dames Young Talent programme in 2024.
Formula 1 Academy Backing
In another major breakthrough, Atiqa was selected in 2025 for the Formula 1 Academy’s “Discover Your Drive” development programme. Not only was she the only Asian driver selected, but she was also among the youngest participants.
Shortly thereafter, she was signed by AKCEL GP, a UAE-based karting team affiliated with the F1 Academy. Notably, Atiqa remains the first Indian to receive both financial and technical support from Formula 1-backed initiatives.
A Future to Watch
With her historic top-10 finish at the Rotax Euro Trophy, Atiqa Mir has once again proven that she belongs on the world stage. As her journey continues, she is steadily emerging as one of the most exciting young talents in global motorsport—and a trailblazer for Indian and Asian racing.
