New Delhi: Atiqa Mir, the rising karting star from India, is set to compete in the prestigious 2025 World Series Karting (WSK) season, following her impressive performance at the La Conca track in southern Italy. The 29-time WSK champions, Team Babyrace, have signed Atiqa for the entire season, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Leonardo Lorandi, Team Babyrace’s manager, expressed excitement over Atiqa’s inclusion, praising her natural talent and remarkable performance in 2024, which included a victory at Le Mans. Lorandi emphasized the team’s goal to bring out the best in Atiqa throughout the season.
At just 10 years old, Atiqa stands out as the only female in the Mini class among over 60 competitors. She is also the first Indian woman to compete in the WSK, a milestone that highlights her growing prominence in international karting. This season, she will compete in the WSK Final Cup, the WSK Euro Series, and the WSK Super Master Series.
Atiqa shared her enthusiasm about the opportunity, acknowledging the challenges ahead, including racing in winter conditions and learning new circuits. She expressed gratitude to Babyrace, her family, sponsors, and supporters, vowing to give her best and represent India with pride.
Described as the “Formula 1” of karting, the WSK Championship attracts the world’s top kart drivers and manufacturers. Many notable Formula 1 stars, including Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton, began their racing careers in WSK, which aims to develop young drivers by enhancing their racing skills and technical knowledge.
Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first Formula 1 driver, praised Atiqa for her talent and potential, calling her one of the brightest stars in Indian motorsport. He urged the motorsport community to provide her with the opportunities and support needed to fulfill her potential. Atiqa’s father, Asif Nazir, also expressed confidence in her ability to adapt to the challenges of racing at the highest level, acknowledging that the year ahead will be both difficult and educational for her.
Atiqa’s journey in the 2025 WSK season is a monumental step in her career, as she continues to blaze a trail for young female drivers in India and beyond.