In a remarkable display of talent and determination, nine-year-old Atiqa Mir from Dubai has etched her name in the annals of motorsport history by becoming the first female racer to win a race in the prestigious RMCIT—Rotax Challenge International Trophy—held at the renowned Le Mans Kart International circuit in France.
This achievement not only highlights Atiqa’s skills as a young racer but also paves the way for future generations of female drivers in a sport historically dominated by men.
Rising Star in Karting
Atiqa, a Year 5 student at Gems Jumeirah Primary School, showcased her exceptional prowess in the Micro Max Category, clinching victory in Race 2 of the Heats.
The RMCIT is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious international karting competitions, attracting top-tier talent from around the globe, including notable Formula 1 drivers like Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Lando Norris, who all honed their skills in the Rotax Max series before ascending to Formula 1 fame.
Reflecting on her experiences, Atiqa stated, “I really enjoyed the races. I went to Italy, Spain, Germany, England, and France.” Her enthusiasm and dedication are palpable, and her win in France is a testament to her hard work and commitment to the sport.
The Road to Victory
Competing under the banner of Dan Holland Racing (DHR) in a Lando Norris kart, Atiqa faced the challenge of racing on the iconic Le Mans circuit for the first time without any prior practice. Despite this setback, she quickly adapted to her new kart and set impressive lap times during practice sessions, consistently topping the grid.
However, the qualifying rounds proved challenging. Although she managed to secure a tenth place in Times Qualifying due to a lack of clear laps, Atiqa rebounded in the Qualifying Heat 1 Race, moving up to sixth place before a racing incident with another driver set her back to ninth.
In Race 2, however, she demonstrated remarkable skill and maturity. With a series of fast and consistent lap times, she executed impressive overtakes to secure first place, making history in the process. “I am proud of myself, my country, India, the UAE and my team,” she said. “This is my first win in Europe; we have all worked hard for it.”
Despite a challenging final race where she encountered several incidents, finishing in 12th place, Atiqa’s earlier triumph solidified her reputation as one of the top female karting drivers globally in her age category.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Sport
Karting, while technically a mixed-gender sport, has historically seen a significant underrepresentation of female drivers. Atiqa’s journey is not without its challenges. Her father, Asif Mir, expressed the difficulties she faces on the track.
“Atiqa has been going up against boys who are physically stronger. She gets bullied on the track a lot, as many don’t like losing to a girl. They sometimes talk and taunt her, but she has to fight that,” he explained.
Asif, who is often celebrated as India’s first national karting champion, plays a crucial role in Atiqa’s training.
“With my racing background, I handle most of her coaching. When she drives for a team, they provide an in-house coach. In terms of training, we need to put in twice the effort compared to others. Research shows that one reason fewer females participate in racing is the lack of upper body strength, particularly in karting, where G-forces are significant.”
The Importance of Infrastructure and Support
The Mir family credits the advanced karting facilities in the UAE for providing Atiqa with the opportunity to hone her skills in a professional environment.
“With six circuits all within an hour and a half’s drive and two national championships, the country has an ideal setup,” Asif noted.
“It provides us with a fantastic platform that would have been impossible to find in India, and in fact, the entire Asian region lacks such infrastructure. It is not surprising that drivers from other GCC countries even come here to race.”
UAE’s state-of-the-art karting tracks are equipped with modern safety features and advanced timing systems, allowing young racers like Atiqa to practice effectively. This access to high-quality facilities has undoubtedly played a significant role in her rapid development as a driver.
A Beacon of Inspiration
Atiqa’s success is not just a personal achievement; it serves as an inspiration for young girls everywhere, showing that with dedication and the right support, barriers can be broken in even the most challenging fields.
Her victory at Le Mans marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career, potentially paving the way for her to become the first female driver in modern Formula 1.
As Atiqa continues to rise through the ranks, the motorsport community and her supporters are eager to see how far her talent and determination will take her.
Her journey thus far is a compelling narrative of resilience, passion, and breaking boundaries, inspiring a new generation of young female racers to pursue their dreams in motorsport.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Atiqa remains focused on her goals within the sport. “I want to keep racing and improve my skills. I dream of one day driving in Formula 1,” she said, embodying the spirit of ambition that fuels many young athletes.
With her current trajectory, Atiqa is on a path that could see her realize this dream, further showcasing the potential of female racers in a sport that is gradually evolving to become more inclusive.
As the motorsport world watches her journey unfold, Atiqa Mir stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and talent, breaking down barriers one race at a time.