Haas F1 Team driver Ollie Bearman spent part of the break between the British and Belgian Grands Prix in Sweden, where a brief visit to a local karting track turned into a focused effort to break the existing lap record. Driven by his goal, Bearman made multiple trips to the circuit, utilizing several strategies such as using leaf blowers to cool the engine, optimizing tire conditions, and even following another driver closely to gain a slipstream advantage.
A Surprising Challenger Emerges on the Track
After a persistent effort, Bearman succeeded in surpassing the track record, joking that the previous holder, a local unknown to him, deserved to be in Formula 1. That local was Elton Zevenwacht, who has never competed professionally in racing. Upon learning about Bearman’s achievement, Zevenwacht returned to the track and promptly lowered the record once again, reclaiming his spot atop the leaderboard.
Next Steps and Reflections on the Karting Pursuit
It remains unclear whether Bearman has requested additional time off to return to Sweden for another attempt. This episode highlights the competitive spirit both on professional and local levels, with Bearman reflecting the deep passion F1 drivers have for karting, while Zevenwacht’s surprising comeback illustrates the unpredictable nature of grassroots racing challenges.
