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Atiqa Mir Tops FIA Kart Rankings as Highest-Ranked Female Driver

Indian racing sensation Atiqa Mir has become the highest-ranked female driver in the latest FIA International Kart Ranking for her category. The 11-year-old, who is the first Indian supported by the Formula 1 Academy, was fast-tracked into a higher age class due to her exceptional talent. She recently secured a historic podium finish in the Champions of the Future Academy series in Valencia. Her father, Asif Mir, a former national karting champion, expressed pride in her rapid rise while emphasizing the continuous hard work needed to reach their ultimate goal of Formula 1.

Key Points: Atiqa Mir Becomes Top Female in FIA Kart Rankings

  • 11-year-old racing prodigy
  • Highest-ranked female in FIA Kart Ranking
  • First Indian supported by F1 Academy
  • Historic podium in COTFA series
  • Ultimate goal is Formula 1
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Indian racing wonderkid Atiqa Mir becomes top-ranked female in FIA International Kart Ranking

Indian prodigy Atiqa Mir, 11, is now the highest-ranked female driver in the FIA International Kart Ranking, a major step toward Formula 1.

"Atiqa has reached a big milestone in her career due to her hard work and support from everyone involved in her journey. - Asif Mir"

Lonato, April 12

Indian racing prodigy Atiqa Mir has emerged as the highest-ranked female in the latest FIA International Kart Ranking in her category, marking a milestone moment in her fast-rising career.

The 11-year-old is placed in seventh overall position in the International OK-NJ class (age 12-14), making her the highest-ranked female racer in the rankings calculated by the motorsport's world governing body FIA. The rankings are led by Zoltan Coigny of Switzerland, according to a press release.

Atiqa, the first Indian to be supported by Formula 1 Academy, was fast-tracked into the Junior ( age 12-14) category from the mini class (8-12) at the start of 2026, considering her special talent.

She repaid the immense faith shown by her backers by bagging a historic podium in the opening round of the Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA) series in Valencia last month.

Her father, Asif Mir, who was India's first national karting champion, is pleased with her daughter's rapid rise in the world of motorsport without losing sight of the ultimate goal - reaching Formula 1 - with no female having raced there since 1992.

"Atiqa has reached a big milestone in her career due to her hard work and support from everyone involved in her journey. It is a proud moment for India. She needs to keep working hard and improving, it is a moving target. There is a famous saying in racing 'if you sit still, you are moving backwards," said Asif.

Last month, Atiqa capped off a successful campaign in the WSK Super Master Series with a commendable eighth-place finish out of 53 drivers in the final round at Franciacorta.

After a welcome break of two weeks, she is back testing in Lonato this weekend ahead of WSK Euro Round 2 at the same circuit the following week.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Wow, 7th overall and top female in her category at just 11! She's competing against kids older than her. Her father's guidance must be invaluable. Hope she gets the sponsorship and infrastructure to reach F1. Go Atiqa!
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Aman W
This is fantastic news, but it also highlights how far behind we are in developing motorsport culture in India. We celebrate one prodigy, but where are the karting tracks for thousands of other kids? We need systemic support.
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Sarah B
As a motorsport fan living in India, this is the kind of story that gives me hope. Breaking into a European-dominated sport is so tough. Her podium in Valencia is huge! Wishing her all the best for the WSK Euro series.
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Vikram M
First Indian supported by Formula 1 Academy! That's a massive deal in itself. She's carrying the hopes of a billion people. Hope the media and brands get behind her for the long haul, not just for a news cycle.
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Nisha Z
Her father's quote is so true – "if you sit still, you are moving backwards." The competition will only get fiercer. But what an inspiration for young girls across India! Shows that with dedication, any field is possible. 👏

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