As she continues her journey in the Junior S125 category, Atiqa’s historic top-five finish at Yas Marina is expected to inspire a new generation of racers back home, while firmly establishing her as one of the most promising young talents to watch in global karting
Indian motorsport witnessed a historic moment as 11-year-old racing sensation Atiqa Mir became the first Indian to secure a top-five finish at the prestigious IAME UAE Karting Championship.
The landmark achievement came during Round Seven of the championship, held at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi — a venue globally renowned for hosting Formula 1 races.
Atiqa’s performance was particularly remarkable as it marked her debut in the highly competitive Junior S125 category, meant for racers aged 12 to 14. Making a seamless transition from the Mini category (8–12 years), she held her own against more experienced competitors and finished fifth in a grid of 35 drivers. In doing so, she also became the first female racer to record a top-five finish in the history of the IAME UAE Karting Championship, a series traditionally dominated by male drivers.
The young prodigy narrowly missed out on a podium finish by just four-tenths of a second, underscoring both the intensity of the race and her growing prowess on the international karting circuit.
Competing on the demanding Yas Marina layout, Atiqa showcased exceptional racecraft, consistency, and composure well beyond her years, earning widespread praise from paddock observers and motorsport enthusiasts alike.
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The IAME UAE Karting Championship is regarded as one of the premier professional kart racing platforms in the Middle East
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It attracts emerging talent from across the globe, with competitors racing high-performance IAME X30 engines across multiple age categories
The championship is known for its fierce competition and is often seen as a stepping stone for drivers aspiring to progress to higher levels of motorsport.
Atiqa Mir’s breakthrough performance is being hailed as a significant milestone for Indian motorsport, particularly for young female racers aspiring to compete on global platforms. Her achievement not only highlights her individual talent and determination but also signals India’s growing presence in international karting circuits.
