Atiqa Mir, the prodigious nine-year-old Indian racing sensation, has etched her name in the annals of motorsport history by becoming the first female racer globally to triumph in a race at the iconic Le Mans Kart International circuit. Her groundbreaking victory in Race 2 of the Heats in the Micro Max Category has catapulted her into the spotlight.
Mir’s triumph is a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering determination. Despite being her maiden visit to the legendary Le Mans circuit, she swiftly adapted to the new kart and dominated the practice sessions, consistently topping the grid. However, in Qualifying, she faced a setback, securing only 10th place due to an obstructed lap.
Undeterred, Mir showcased her resilience and maturity in the Qualifying Heat 1 Race, gaining four positions to 6th place. However, a racing incident with another driver relegated her to 9th position. In Race 2, Mir unleashed her true potential, setting a series of blistering lap times and executing masterful passes to secure a historic victory.
Her triumph at Le Mans places her among an elite group of drivers, including Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Lando Norris, who have previously tasted success in the Max series on their path to Formula 1 stardom.
“I’m overjoyed and thrilled to have won the race,” exclaimed Mir after making history. “It’s my first victory in Europe, and we’ve all worked incredibly hard for this. My team, DHR, has been incredibly supportive, my family has been unwavering in their encouragement, and I’m grateful for the support from India and beyond. I hope to maintain this momentum and continue to raise India’s flag high.”
In the final race, Mir encountered several racing incidents that hindered her progress, ultimately finishing in 12th place. However, her victory in Race 2 has cemented her status as the world’s leading female karting driver in her age group.
Next month, Mir will showcase her skills at the prestigious Kartmasters in the UK. She is also a nominee for the Iron Dames Young Talent event in Italy later this month, where she is one of only 11 girls worldwide, the sole Asian, and the youngest among the shortlisted candidates.
