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11-year-old Atiqa Mir joins Champions Modena racing team, only female among 37 drivers

11-year-old Atiqa Mir joins Champions Modena racing team, only female among 37 drivers

Bavana Guntha
January 25, 2026

Indian karting sensation Atiqa Mir has taken a major leap in her career by securing a drive with Modena Racing Team , the reigning world champions, for the 2026 WSK Championship season. The WSK series is widely regarded as the Formula 1 of karting , and joining the champions at just 11 years old is a rare achievement.

Atiqa, who is supported by the Formula 1 Academy , has chosen the tougher route by moving directly into the OKNJ junior category (age 12-14) instead of staying in the mini class where she could have continued to dominate. Her strong performances in the mini category last year earned her a full-season contract, and she will compete in the WSK Super Master Series, WSK Euro Series, and WSK Final Cup.

This season, Atiqa will become the first Indian female driver to race in the OKNJ category in WSK, and she will be the only female among 37 drivers on the grid. The WSK series is known for producing future Formula 1 stars, with names like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Sebastian Vettel having raced in it during their early careers.

Moving up to OKNJ means Atiqa will handle 29 bhp engines , reaching speeds of up to 126 kmph , with karts generating over 2.5 G forces . The physical and mental challenge is immense, but Atiqa is ready. “I am so excited and grateful for Modena to sign me,” she said. “To join such an elite team is a great honour. The grids in WSK are so close and the driving level is the best in the world. I hope to learn from them and improve myself.”

Her father, Asif Mir , India’s first National Karting Champion, said the decision to fast-track her into the junior class was deliberate. “We are putting Atiqa straight into the deep end. It is best for her development. Our goal is Formula 1, and her development as a driver is of utmost importance,” he said.

Atiqa begins her WSK campaign on January 25 at La Conca, Italy , and with the backing of last year’s champions, she is now firmly on the path to becoming India’s next big name in motorsport.