Kashmir’s Atiqa Mir shines at Yas Marina F 1 Circuit

Srinagar, Jan 6: Global Karting star Atiqa Mir started 2025 on a high note by clinching third place at the prestigious UAE IAME Karting Championship held at the iconic Yas Marina F1 Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

Competing in the fiercely competitive Mini category, Atiqa showcased exceptional skill and determination, cementing her position as one of the world’s most promising young racers.

According to a press release issued, the ultra competitive series had a grid of 33 drivers in the Mini category, saw Atiqa qualified only 5th in the qualifying, her lowest position this season in this category. Atiqa raced hard in the races, securing P4 in the Heats, P3 in the Pre-Final. Atqa lead the race in the pre-final and ran as high as P2 in the final but had to settle for P3 in the end. Her amazing speed and consistency have seen her move up to 3rd in the overall championship.

Atiqa Mir, hails from Srinagar’s Nageen area, and is celebrated as one of the top female karting talents globally.

Atiqa expressed her excitement after the podium ceremony, saying, “It is always amazing to come here to the Yas Marina F1 track with so much history and great F1 moments. It is a great start to the year for me, a tough day, and some good fights with the other drivers. I was missing a few tenths in pace and had to make up for it by racing hard. A big thank you to my team, my mechanic Farooq, and my parents and fans for all the support this weekend. Hope to go one better next time.”

The performance by Atiqa further cements her place as the best female karter in the world in her age group. Atiqa has defied odds and stereotypes to move up in the male-dominated sport and raise the flag high for India. Atiqa has several accolades and is the female first in the world of karting.

Among her historic milestones are becoming the first female racer to win a race at the RMC International Trophy in France and finishing as the vice champion in the UAE IAME National Championship.

She is also the first Indian female to finish 2nd Runner up at the Champions of the Future Academy Program, with record Pole Positions by a female in the world in her age group.

Notably, the UAE IAME Karting Championship, spanning seven rounds across premier tracks in the UAE, offers competitors an opportunity to represent their country at the prestigious IAME World Final.