Atiqa Mir, a 10-year-old Dubai-based Indian karting prodigy has become the youngest driver from the region to secure a place in a professional motorsport development programme, following her signing as an official AKCEL GP Academy Driver.
AKCEL GP says the move signals a shift in motorsport accessibility and diversity, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to nurturing next-generation talent and establishing itself as a global hub for motorsport excellence.
A rising star in the karting circuit, Atiqa Mir has already made a name for herself with her fearless driving and consistent podium finishes. She has competed in some of the world’s most prestigious karting championships, including the Rotax Euro Trophy, Rotax International Trophy, IAME Series (UAE and Europe), WSK Euro Series, WSK Super Master Series, and the Champions of the Future Academy.
The timing of this partnership aligns with the official launch of the AKCEL GP Academy: the cornerstone development initiative of AKCEL GP, the UAE-based high-performance motorsport team competing in FIA F4, Formula Regional Middle East Championship, and FIA F3.
Opening in Abu Dhabi in August 2025, the Academy will serve as a cutting-edge training ground for the next generation of racing talent from the UAE and abroad. The Academy’s inaugural batch will feature 15 promising young drivers and is committed to offering a structured and competitive pathway beginning with elite karting championships and advancing through the ranks of single-seater racing.
Speaking on Atiqa’s signing, Amit Kaushal, group chairman of AKCEL Group, said, “Atiqa’s talent, focus, and composure on track are well beyond her years. We’re proud to welcome her to the AKCEL GP family and support her long-term journey toward Formula 1. Over the next 15 years, we’re committed to guiding her development from karting to single-seaters as she grows into a world-class racer and future F1 contender.”
As Atiqa Mir begins her training in Abu Dhabi, she will follow a structured development programme designed to prepare young drivers for the demands of professional motorsport. Her training will combine simulator sessions, physical conditioning, mental coaching and in-depth performance analysis. A key focus of her time with AKCEL GP Academy will be competing in championships across the UAE and Europe, providing her with essential on-track experience and exposure to high-level competition early in her career. The goal is to lay a strong foundation of skills, discipline, and racecraft with a clear vision: Formula 1 as the ultimate destination.
Reflecting on this new chapter in her journey, Atiqa Mir said, “Racing is everything to me. It’s where I feel strong, fast, and free. Joining AKCEL GP Academy is a dream come true, and I want to show young girls like me from Dubai and India that we can compete at the highest levels. One day, I hope to race in Formula 1, and I’m ready to work hard to get there.”
The UAE’s support for motorsport development has grown rapidly over the past decade. The nation is home to internationally acclaimed circuits such as Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Autodrome and hosts one of the most prestigious events on the racing calendar, the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In 2024, the UAE’s sports event market generated more than Dhs22.8m in revenue and is projected to exceed Dhs44m by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 11.8 per cent. Globally, the motorsport industry is valued at around Dhs34.9bn, making the UAE’s entry into talent development and racing innovation all the more significant.
