Dubai's 10-Year-Old Racing Prodigy Atiqa Mir Joins AKCEL GP Academy For Professional Motorsport Training

Atiqa Mir, a remarkable 10-year-old from Dubai, has made history as the youngest regional driver to be included in a professional motorsport development programme after joining the AKCEL GP Academy as an official driver.

Atiqa has already established herself as a formidable competitor on the karting circuit, boasting impressive achievements, including consistent top finishes and a fearless approach to racing. Her participation in renowned championships such as the Rotax Euro Trophy, Rotax International Trophy, IAME Series in the UAE and Europe, WSK Euro Series, WSK Super Master Series, and the Champions of the Future Academy highlights her rising status in the sport.

The AKCEL GP Academy, an initiative by the UAE-based high-performance motorsport team AKCEL GP, is set to open its doors in Abu Dhabi in August 2025. Competing in prestigious events like the FIA F4, Formula Regional Middle East Championship, and FIA F3, the academy aims to be a premier training facility for the next generation of racers from the UAE and beyond. With an inaugural class of 15 promising drivers, the academy intends to offer a structured and competitive route from elite karting to the upper echelons of single-seater racing.

Amit Kaushal, Group Chairman of AKCEL Group, expressed his enthusiasm about Atiqa's potential, stating, "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."

Atiqa's training regimen in Abu Dhabi will encompass a comprehensive development program tailored for young drivers, combining simulator sessions, physical fitness, mental training, race craft enhancement, and detailed performance analysis. A pivotal aspect of her academy experience will be participating in championships across the UAE and Europe, offering her vital competitive experience and exposure from an early stage in her career. The ultimate goal is to prepare Atiqa with a solid foundation of skills and discipline, aiming for Formula 1 as the pinnacle of her aspirations.

Reflecting on her aspirations and the impact of her journey, Atiqa Mir shared, "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 has rapidly become a prominent supporter of motorsport development, hosting internationally acclaimed circuits such as the Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Autodrome, along with prestigious events like the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The nation's sports event market saw revenues exceeding Dh22.8 million in 2024, with projections suggesting it could surpass Dh44 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 11.8%. With the global motorsport industry valued at around Dh34.9 billion, the UAE's involvement in nurturing talent and racing innovation is increasingly significant.

Atiqa Mir's advancement to the AKCEL GP Academy not only fast-tracks her professional racing career, but also paves the way for young girls in motorsport, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. As a young girl competing internationally in high-level karting, Atiqa exemplifies a new era of female participation in motorsport, aligning with initiatives like the F1 Academy and FIA Women in Motorsport aimed at creating equal opportunities for female racers.