Atiqa Mir, a 10-year-old racing talent from India, has made history by becoming the first female racer to win a Minimax category race at the DAMC Championship opener in Dubai. Competing against 13 drivers, including experienced European winners, Atiqa secured pole position and crossed the chequered flag first, marking a powerful victory.

She said she was grateful to her sponsors, AKCEL Academy, for their constant support. “This is just the beginning of my journey,” Atiqa shared after the race.

Atiqa was born in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, and grew up in Dubai. Racing runs in her family; her father, Asif Nazir Mir, is a former national karting champion who has played a key role in shaping her career.

She began karting competitively at the age of six and has already earned several titles. She was vice-champion of the 2024 UAE IAME National Championship and became the first female to win at the Rotax Challenge International Trophy in Le Mans, France.

Earlier this year, she was selected by Formula 1’s F1 Academy “Discover Your Drive” program, becoming the first Indian and Asian female to join the initiative aimed at preparing future women racers.

Atiqa’s racing schedule is packed. She will compete in the Champions of the Future Academy Round 4 in Slovakia, adding to her growing international experience.

Despite her age, she trains like a professional. Her routine includes physical workouts, breathing techniques, and mental exercises to improve focus. She looks up to F1 world champion Max Verstappen, whose style inspires her own racing.

Atiqa dreams of racing in Formula 1 one day, aiming to inspire young girls worldwide to believe that they, too, can compete in motorsport.

Her victory in Dubai is not only a sporting milestone but also a step forward for gender equality in racing. By proving her skill against older, male-dominated competition, Atiqa has shown that talent and determination can break barriers.