Max Verstappen on Wednesday needed about 35 minutes to overcome 100 karting drivers in a Red Bull event at Silverstone.
Organizers had allowed a maximum 30 laps and 75 minutes for the Dutch driver to work his way through the field from the back on a modified kart track at the British Grand Prix circuit, but he needed far less.
Starting 101st, the 28-year-old four-time Formula One champion overtook 64 drivers, who were then eliminated, on the chaotic opening lap, with many of his opponents crashing among themselves.
Photo: AP
Dutch F1 journalist Jacky Martens, who regularly reports on Verstappen’s races, started on pole and was the last driver overtaken in a field that included social media content creators, celebrities and Red Bull athletes.
“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.’”
Many got blocked on the track after a pileup that prompted a full-course yellow flag. Verstappen went off track, but was able to return.
Photo: AP
Verstappen, who finished second in Formula 1’s Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, was up to 37th two minutes into the race.
He went off track again, but stayed comfortably faster than most drivers, none of them with any significant professional driving experience.
“I think this is the best one yet,” joked Verstappen, winner of 71 grands prix.
“My first lap was quite incredible,” he added. “There was a lot happening and actually a few cars got stuck and I always managed to be on the other side, so didn’t get stuck.”
Verstappen has yet to win a grand prix this season and is sixth in a championship dominated by Mercedes.
“It’s my first win of the year, so I take this one,” he said.
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