LONATO
Eleven-year-old racing sensation Atiqa Mir has made history by becoming the highest-ranked female driver in the latest FIA International Kart Ranking (IKR). This milestone cements her status as one of the most promising young talents in global motorsport.
Competing in the International OK-NJ class (typically for ages 12–14), Mir is currently ranked seventh overall in the world. While Switzerland’s Zoltan Coigny leads the standings, Mir’s position at the top of the female rankings is a significant breakthrough for Indian racing.
Mir’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Recognizing her exceptional skill, officials fast-tracked her from the “Mini” category (ages 8–12) to the “Junior” category at the start of 2026, despite her being younger than most of her competitors. She also holds the distinction of being the first Indian driver supported by the Formula 1 Academy, a program designed to develop the next generation of elite female racers.
This achievement in Italy marks a turning point, proving that the young prodigy from India can not only compete but dominate on the international stage as she climbs the ladder toward professional formula racing.