Max Verstappen Overtakes 100 Amateur Karters in Silverstone Exhibition Race

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen needed just 14 laps and 35 minutes to overtake 100 amateur drivers in an exhibition go-kart race at Silverstone. The Red Bull driver started from the back of the grid and claimed his first victory of 2026 in a chaotic event.

The exhibition race at Silverstone brought together content creators, Red Bull athletes, fans, and journalists on an adapted track at the historic Northamptonshire grand prix circuit.

Organised by the Red Bull team, the unique challenge gave the 28-year-old Dutchman a maximum of 35 laps and 75 minutes to reel in every single competitor on the grid. Verstappen started 101st on the grid and wastes no time establishing his dominance. Before the race began, the ruthless Dutchman warned participants it’s not a charity event on race radio.

Carnage on Lap One and the Charge Through the Field

The race began with immediate chaos. Verstappen avoided a massive first-lap pile-up by driving across the grass to steer clear of karts that had locked wheels and spun out. That single maneuver wiped out around 30 of his competitors instantly and brought out a full course yellow that briefly suspended racing.

By the end of the opening lap, Verstappen was already up to 37th place. He was lapping more than three seconds faster than his rivals, methodically picking off competitors who were required to retire immediately after being passed by the reigning F1 champion. Explaining his rapid start, Verstappen said, My first lap was quite incredible. There was a lot happening and a few karts got stuck. I managed to be on the outside, so I didn’t get stuck. That made me get like 60 people in the first lap, so that helps a lot getting through to the front.

During one aggressive charge, he launched over a kerb and lost part of his bodywork. I think I lost my go-pro [camera], Verstappen noted over his live microphone while maintaining blistering lap speeds.

Tactics, Bodyweight, and the Final Duel at Silverstone

Behind the wheel, Verstappen utilized specific physical techniques to maximize his kart’s acceleration out of tight corners. Explaining his approach to the grid after the race, he noted that sometimes a little bit of hopping out of the corner at very low speed, it helps you accelerate a bit, especially at the start, it makes a big difference.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen in his go-kart at Silverstone — Photo: BBC

The pace of his ascent was so rapid that race officials stepped in to give the remaining front-runners a fighting chance. The top four drivers—consisting of Dutch F1 journalist Jacky Martens, Red Bull Powertrains technician Lewis Osler, YouTuber Zac Alsop, and off-road motorcyclist Pol Tarres—were granted an extra Chucky Lap where they could legally cut a corner of the track to try to hold off Verstappen for longer. The term was a playful nod to prior comments made by McLaren boss Zak Brown regarding Verstappen. Jacky Martens had been on pole position after qualifying.

Ultimately, the special shortcut was unnecessary. Verstappen caught up to the final driver before completing the entire distance. With an audacious dive-bomb past the last defender, he secured the win with 40 minutes and 21 laps to spare.

Celebrating the First Win of 2026

Crossing the finish line to take the chequered flag, Verstappen celebrated over his team radio, declaring, Oh that was simply lovely, wasn’t it! He quickly followed it up by stating, I think this was my best [win] one yet!

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This is my first win of the year, so I take this one.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull F1 driver

The top 10 results featured Max Verstappen (Red Bull F1 driver), Jacky Martens (F1 journalist), Lewis Osler (Red Bull Powertrains technician), Zac Alsop (YouTuber), Pol Tarres (Off-road motorcyclist), Paky TWC (YouTuber), RDjavi (Content creator), Larry Chen (Car photographer), Bernard Kerr (Mountainbike rider), and Neo Yau (Actor).

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