Max Verstappen won an exhibition go-kart race at Silverstone after starting at the back of a 100-strong grid of influencers and completing the recovery in just 14 laps.
The Red Bull driver was taking part in the event, which was broadcast live on Disney+, and quickly moved through the field. He had risen to 37th by the end of the opening lap, overtaking Daily Mail Sport presenter Henry Williams, who had qualified 73rd.
Verstappen’s move proved controversial as he left the track at the second corner to get past Williams while chaos unfolded around them.
By lap 10, the four-time world champion had reached fourth. Drivers he overtook were required to retire from the race, and Verstappen eventually secured victory by passing Dutch journalist Jacky Martens on lap 14.
“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’. 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.”
Verstappen, 28, said the event had given him the chance to return to the form of racing in which he began his career.
“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 said.
“It’s a really beautiful track and well designed. I had a great day and it was good to come out with the win.”
Williams said: “It was really fun to be part of. Verstappen was a good sport.”
