Valencia, March 2, 2026 : Indian racing sensation Atiqa Mir scripted history by becoming the first Indian to secure a podium finish in the European leg of the Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA) karting series.
The 11-year-old prodigy finished third in the final of the opening round, marking her biggest achievement since stepping up from the Mini category to the highly competitive OKNJ (Junior) class.
A Weekend of Speed and Grit
Competing at the demanding Lucas Guerrero Circuit, Atiqa displayed exceptional pace throughout the weekend. She recorded the fastest lap in the final and was on course for pole position before being hindered by a slower kart in the final corner of her flying lap, which pushed her down to ninth on the grid.
Undeterred, she produced a stunning comeback:
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Race 1: Charged to P3
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Race 2: Climbed to P2
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Final: Started P3, fought among the leaders in a gripping 15-lap contest
At the start of the final, Atiqa briefly moved into second place and remained locked in a fierce battle with the front pack. On the final lap, she executed a daring overtake around the outside at the notorious last-corner chicane — a move that secured her second place on track, the best-ever finish by an Indian in the European leg of the series.
However, a post-race penalty later dropped her to third, officially placing her on the podium.
Overcoming Setbacks
Day two presented further challenges. Once again, her qualifying lap was compromised by traffic, denying her a potential pole position and leaving her seventh on the grid.
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Race 1: Forced off track, recovered to P9
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Race 2: Crossed the line first but lost victory due to a post-race penalty
Despite the setbacks, Atiqa’s performances turned heads across the paddock.
Inspired by Greatness
Quoting legendary Formula One icon Ayrton Senna, Atiqa said:
“If you no longer go for a gap that exists, you are no longer a racing driver. It was risky but it paid off. I’m happy to have the India flag at the podium — a proud moment for me and the country.”
Atiqa is also the first Indian to receive backing from the F1 Academy, underlining her rising stature in global motorsport.
Her father, Asif Mir — India’s first national karting champion — praised her adaptability and fearless racing, noting that she had limited time to adjust to the circuit in a junior kart.
Atiqa’s podium in Valencia signals not just personal success but a breakthrough moment for Indian motorsport on the European stage.
