Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen demonstrated his karting mastery by overtaking 100 amateur drivers in only 14 laps during an exhibition event at Silverstone. The challenge, held at the Northamptonshire circuit, gave the Red Bull driver a maximum of 35 laps and 75 minutes to pass every competitor.
Verstappen, 28, admitted he was initially concerned about his starting position with a full grid ahead of him. The opening lap proved chaotic, with numerous crashes and spins causing a brief suspension of racing. “When I went to the grid and I saw where I had to start, with 100 karts in front of me, I was a little bit worried,” Verstappen said. “After my first lap with all the carnage, I did think ‘OK, we have got this under control’.”
Once he found his rhythm, the Dutch driver closed the gap rapidly. He warned participants via radio that “it’s not a charity event” as he surged through the field. By the sixth lap, he had reached 10th place, moving into fourth by lap 10. Each driver he passed was required to retire from the event.
The remaining field consisted of television personalities, sports figures, and social media stars, with no professional racers. Only three competitors remained: Dutch F1 journalist Jacky Martens, who took pole position; Red Bull engine builder Lewis Osler; and YouTuber Zac Alsop. These three were granted an extra “fast lap” allowing them to cut a corner to delay their inevitable defeat, but Verstappen reeled them in regardless.
Martens was the final driver to be passed, leaving Verstappen with 21 laps and 40 minutes to spare. The seven-time grand prix winner began his motorsport career in junior karting at age four and claimed four consecutive F1 titles between 2021 and 2024.
“It was great to just be back in a go-kart again and go back to basics, it reminded me of racing back in the day,” Verstappen added. “It’s a really beautiful track and well designed. I had a great day and it was good to come out with the win.”
Jacky Martens lasted until the end though! Must feel good to outlast even one Red Bull driver.
‘Not a charity event’—love that he actually takes it seriously despite the ridiculous format.
He passed everyone but the three nobodies? Classic F1 circus stuff. Where’s the competition?
Honestly, overtaking 100 karts sounds miserable, not impressive. Imagine sitting in traffic for 14 laps!