Dubai: 10-year-old racing prodigy Atiqa Mir from India on Sunday scripted history by becoming the first female driver to win a race in the Minimax category of UAE karting.

Competing against 13 rivals, including seasoned European race winners, Atiqa clinched a commanding victory from pole position in the DAMC Championship opener at the Dubai Kartdrome. She was the only female on the grid.

In the final, Atiqa stayed within track limits and crossed the chequered flag ahead of the field, becoming the first woman to take both pole and the race win in the Minimax category — a perfect start to her Middle Eastern karting campaign.

Earlier this year, Formula 1 signed Atiqa to its F1 Academy DYD programme, making her the first Indian to be part of the initiative.

"I'm so happy with this win. Dubai Kartdrome is where I started karting, so this track will always remain close to my heart. I got limited running in preparation for this race, but nonetheless, I was still able to be on pace. Big thanks to my sponsors AKCEL Academy, for all their support," said Atiqa.

Fresh off a successful European season, Atiqa was in Dubai for a quick stop and will head to Slovakia next for Champions of the Future Academy Round 4, where she drives for the F1 DYD program.

Atiqa hails from a racing family, with her father, Asif Nazir Mir, being a former Formula Asia vice-champion. She idolises reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, and her ultimate goal is to reach the pinnacle of motorsport. PTI