Verstappen overtakes 100 amateur karters in 14 laps

Max Verstappen needed just 14 laps and 35 minutes to overtake 100 amateur drivers in an exhibition go-kart race at Silverstone. The four-time Formula 1 world champion had a maximum of 35 laps and 75 minutes to pass everyone on an adapted track at the grand prix circuit in Northamptonshire.

Verstappen, 28, who drives for Red Bull, was up to 37th by the end of a chaotic first lap in which many drivers crashed or spun out, resulting in a brief suspension of racing. He warned participants via race radio, "it's not a charity event." By the start of lap six, Verstappen moved into 10th place and was fourth by lap 10, with each driver he passed having to retire from the race. At that time, the field consisted of TV, sport, and social media personalities, with no professional racing drivers. Only Dutch F1 journalist Jacky Martens, Red Bull engine builder Lewis Osler, and YouTuber Zac Alsop remained in contention.

All three were granted an extra 'fast lap' to cut a corner of the track, hoping to delay Verstappen. However, he inevitably caught up with them. Martens, who had qualified on pole position, was the last driver to be passed as Verstappen completed his challenge with 40 minutes and 21 laps to spare. Verstappen started his racing career in karting and won four consecutive F1 titles from 2021 to 2024.