Verstappen passes 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.

Red Bull's Verstappen, 28, was up to 37th by the end of a chaotic first lap in which many drivers crashed or spun out, resulting in racing being briefly suspended.

"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," he said.

"After my first lap with all the carnage, I did think 'OK, we have got this under control'. From there on, I could really have a lot of fun trying to hunt them all down.

"Once I started getting into a rhythm and was able to overtake them one by one and saw the gap closing, that was really exciting."

The ruthless Dutchman, who warned participants "it's not a charity event" on race radio, moved up to 10th by the start of lap six and was fourth by lap 10, with each driver he passed having to retire.

At that stage, the remaining three racers - the grid was made up of TV, sport and social media personalities, with no professional racing drivers - were Dutch F1 journalist Jacky Martens, Red Bull engine builder Lewis Osler and YouTuber Zac Alsop.

All three were given an extra 'fast lap' where they could cut a corner of the track to try to hold off Verstappen for longer, but he inevitably reeled them in.

Martens, who was on pole position after qualifying, was the final driver to be passed as Verstappen completed his challenge with 40 minutes and 21 laps to spare.

Verstappen began his racing career as a junior in karting and won 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," he 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."