Max vs 100: Verstappen overtakes 100 amateur karters in just 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 span out, resulting in the race being briefly suspended.

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

At that stage, the field – made up of TV, sport and social media personalities, with no professional racing drivers – consisted of just 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.