Kashmir, September 10, 2025 — Indian karting prodigy Atiqa Mir, a 10-year-old racing sensation from Kashmir, has successfully completed her debut European season in the RMC Euro Trophy championship, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning motorsport career. Backed by the prestigious F1 Academy, Atiqa showcased remarkable talent and resilience, competing against a male-dominated field of 31 drivers in the Minimax category. Her standout performance included a top-nine finish in the Czech Republic, cementing her status as a rising star in international karting.Atiqa, the first Indian driver to receive technical and financial support from the F1 Academy, debuted in Europe at the RMC Euro Trophy’s opening round in Wackerdorf, Germany, in April. Despite being one of the youngest and least experienced competitors, she consistently placed in the front third of the grid, often outpacing her more seasoned teammates.
Her natural speed and adaptability stunned the paddock, earning praise from her team and peers alike.The highlight of Atiqa’s season came at the Steel Ring Circuit in the Czech Republic, where she secured a ninth-place finish in challenging wet conditions during Round 2 of the Rotax Euro Trophy. Overcoming two bumper penalties and a lack of prior wet-weather experience on the track, Atiqa demonstrated exceptional skill, finishing as the highest-placed Indian and Asian driver in the competitive field. Mentored by India’s first Formula 1 driver, Narain Karthikeyan, Atiqa’s performance underscored her potential to follow in the footsteps of F1 greats like Max Verstappen, George Russell, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri, all of whom competed in the Rotax series during their formative years.Reflecting on her debut season, Atiqa said, “I had a great debut championship, learning from the very best in karting.
The level is so close, and sometimes half a second covers the entire grid—there’s no room for mistakes. I will come back with a championship campaign next year and build on the lessons of this year.”Atiqa’s father, Asif Nazir Mir, a former Formula Asia runner-up, emphasized the value of European competition for her development: “The karting in Europe is brutal—it’s fast, rough, and very close. This is just the upbringing Atiqa needs to toughen her up as a racer and build her basics for a strong future.”In addition to the RMC Euro Trophy, Atiqa competed in prestigious events like the RMC International Trophy in Le Mans, France—where she made history last year as the first female to win a race—and the Kartmasters GPin the UK. Her achievements extend beyond Europe, as she is also the first Indian female driver to win an FIA International Karting Championship at age six and to break a lap record in Dubai.
Atiqa’s journey, supported by Akcel GP and the F1 Academy, signals a bright future for Indian motorsport. As she prepares for her next season, the motorsport community eagerly watches this young trailblazer, whose talent and determination are breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of racers.
