Is Indian Karting Prodigy Atiqa Mir the Future of Racing?

Dubai, June 2 (NationPress) Atiqa Mir, a remarkable 10-year-old karting sensation based in Dubai, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the youngest driver in the region to join a professional motorsport development program, having signed on as an official AKCEL GP Academy Driver.

Known for her exceptional talent on the karting circuit, Atiqa Mir has garnered attention with her daring driving style, consistent podium placements, and a profound enthusiasm for racing. She has participated in some of the most esteemed karting competitions globally, including the Rotax Euro Trophy, Rotax International Trophy, IAME Series (UAE and Europe), WSK Euro Series, WSK Super Master Series, and the Champions of the Future Academy.

AKCEL GP is a premier motorsport team based in the UAE, competing in FIA F4, Formula Regional Middle East Championship, and FIA. The Academy aims to be a state-of-the-art training facility for emerging racing talent from the UAE and beyond. This inaugural cohort will include 15 promising young drivers, dedicated to providing a structured and competitive route starting with elite karting events and progressing through the ranks of single-seater racing.

Commenting on this exciting new phase of her journey, Atiqa expressed, “Racing is my everything. It’s the space where I feel powerful, swift, and liberated. Joining AKCEL GP Academy is a dream realized, and I aspire to inspire young girls from Dubai and India to compete at top levels. One day, I aim to race in Formula 1, and I’m prepared to work diligently to achieve that.”

Her entry into AKCEL GP Academy not only propels her towards a professional racing career but also sets a new precedent for young girls in motorsport, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. Her signing reflects a significant cultural shift in the sport—one that embraces diversity and inclusivity. As one of the few young girls competing at a high level in international karting, she embodies a new era of female involvement in motorsport. Her ascent aligns with broader initiatives such as F1 Academy and FIA Women in Motorsport, striving to create equal opportunities for female racers. In this light, her success as a Dubai-based South Asian female driver is both impactful and inspirational.

On Atiqa’s signing, Amit Kaushal, Group Chairman of AKCEL, remarked, “Atiqa’s skill, determination, and composure on the track exceed her age. We are thrilled to welcome her into the AKCEL GP family and to support her long-term journey towards Formula 1. Over the next 15 years, we are committed to guiding her development from karting to single-seaters, shaping her into a world-class racer and future F1 contender.”

As Atiqa embarks on her training in Abu Dhabi, she will engage in a meticulously designed development program aimed at equipping young drivers for the challenges of professional motorsport. Her training will encompass simulator sessions, physical conditioning, mental coaching, race craft enhancement, and comprehensive performance evaluation.

A primary focus during her time at AKCEL GP Academy will be competing in championships across the UAE and Europe, providing her with crucial on-track experience and exposure to high-level competition early in her career. The objective is to establish a solid foundation of skills, discipline, and racecraft with a clear vision of Formula 1 as the ultimate target.