F1 Stars Norris and Sainz Test 100 Years of Karting History
Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz took a break from F1 to race karts from different decades, starting with a basic 1959 model and ending in their own modern machines. The fun video showcased their skill and the huge technological progress in karting, the sport where most F1 drivers begin their careers.
F1 drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz reunited for a unique challenge, testing karts spanning over a century of design evolution in a video for Norris's Quadrant YouTube channel. The friendly competition saw them progress from a rudimentary 1959 model to their own modern 2026 machines, with Norris ultimately securing the fastest lap time.
Why it matters:
Beyond the entertainment value, the video offers a rare, light-hearted glimpse into the raw driving talent and camaraderie between two top F1 competitors away from the Grand Prix spotlight. It visually chronicles the dramatic technological evolution of karting, the foundational training ground for virtually every modern Formula 1 driver, connecting the sport's past to its present stars.
The Details:
- The challenge format gave each driver one out-lap and one flying lap to set a time in each historic kart, beginning with a 1959 Twin Vill.
- Early Era Challenges: The 1959 kart required significant physical effort to drive, with Norris noting, "That was a workout not to fall out." Sainz won this first head-to-head with a time of 59.62 seconds.
- Evolution Through Decades: Performance improved markedly by the 1970s. Norris drove a replica of Ayrton Senna's 1979 DAP chassis, clocking a 51.68s lap.
- Modern Comparison: The test culminated in their 2026-era karts (the LN Racing Kart and CS55). Sainz set a strong benchmark of 41.40s, but Norris claimed the final victory with a blistering 40.91s lap.
What's Next:
While this was a one-off promotional event, it highlights the enduring importance of karting in driver development and fan engagement. Such content bridges the gap between F1's high-tech world and its grassroots origins, likely encouraging similar behind-the-scenes or historical content from other drivers and teams to connect with fans during the race calendar.