Atiqa Mir Receives Government Support Following Impressive F4 Showing in Greece
Following a dominant performance in Greece, the 11 year old karting prodigy receives assurances of support from the government as she continues her climb through international motorsport.
NEW DELHI, June 8: India’s emerging motorsport talent Atiqa Mir received a major boost to her racing ambitions after meeting Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi on Sunday. The interaction came days after the 11-year-old produced a remarkable display at the Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA) championship in Greece, further strengthening her reputation as one of the country’s most promising young drivers.
During the meeting at the minister’s residence, Mandaviya congratulated the Mumbai-born racer on her recent achievements and assured her family of all possible assistance in pursuing a career at the highest level of global motorsport. The discussion focused on her progress in international karting and the challenges involved in advancing through the highly competitive pathway toward Formula racing.
Atiqa later shared details of the interaction on social media, expressing gratitude for the encouragement and guidance she received. She said the minister appreciated her performances on the international stage and pledged support for her long-term goal of securing a place in Formula One.
The young racer has been attracting increasing attention following her outstanding results in Europe. In the final week of May, she created history at the COTFA Round 2.2 event in Greece by dominating the competition from start to finish. She topped the qualifying session, won the heats and then secured victory in the final race by a commanding margin, becoming only the third competitor in the championship’s history to achieve such a clean sweep.
Her success has been viewed as another significant milestone for Indian motorsport, which continues to search for its next generation of global stars. Atiqa’s rise through the junior ranks has been particularly notable because she is the first Indian driver to receive backing from the F1 Academy, the initiative dedicated to supporting and developing female racing talent.
The pathway to Formula One remains one of the toughest in world sport, requiring years of progression through karting, Formula 4, Formula Regional, Formula 3 and Formula 2 before reaching the pinnacle of motorsport. No woman has competed in a Formula One race since 1992, making the challenge even more demanding for aspiring female drivers.
However, Atiqa’s performances have generated optimism among motorsport followers who believe she possesses the talent and determination required to compete at the highest levels. Her achievements at such a young age have already placed her among the most closely watched prospects in international karting.
The meeting also comes at a time when the government is exploring ways to strengthen India’s presence in global motorsport. Mandaviya has previously expressed interest in bringing Formula One back to the country, which last hosted a Grand Prix in 2013. Support for emerging talents is seen as an important part of building a stronger racing ecosystem and inspiring greater participation in the sport.
For Atiqa, the recognition from the country’s top sports authorities represents another step forward in an already impressive journey. With strong performances on international circuits and growing institutional backing, the young racer will now focus on maintaining her momentum as she prepares for the next phase of her development.
As Indian motorsport continues to evolve, many will be watching closely to see whether the karting sensation can transform her early promise into a successful career on the global stage and move one step closer to achieving her ultimate Formula One ambition.
