During a family holiday in Varberg, Sweden, Formula 1 rookie Ollie Bearman unexpectedly embarked on a mission to break the karting lap record at the Varbergs Gokart circuit. While Bearman was preparing for the Belgian Grand Prix, he discovered the local track and decided to challenge the existing lap record, leading to a spirited competition known as the Bearman karting lap record battle.
This informal challenge began earlier in July when Bearman arrived at the Varbergs track and applied professional-level techniques to improve his performance. Over three days, he adjusted tire pressures, reduced kart weight, used a leaf blower to cool the engine, and utilized slipstream advantages, demonstrating a meticulous approach reminiscent of his F1 preparations.
The Emergence of a New Lap Record and Its Previous Holder
Bearman’s efforts culminated in a lap time of 28.97 seconds, making him the first driver to break the 29-second barrier on this circuit and usurping the record from a previously lesser-known competitor. The original record holder was 23-year-old local karter Elton Zevenwacht, who was away from town when Bearman set his new best time.
Upon learning about the record through a message from the track owner Christian Andersen, Zevenwacht quickly resolved to reclaim his title.
I was away that week, so I couldn’t come and try to beat it right away. But I’m going to try to beat it tonight.
—Elton Zevenwacht
A Dramatic Rematch Brings the Title Back to Sweden
With Bearman occupied at the Belgian GP sprint qualifying, Zevenwacht returned to the Varbergs track and swiftly recorded a 28.95-second lap, regaining the lap record by a narrow margin of two hundredths of a second. This close competition captured the attention of F1 fans and motorsport observers alike.
Reflecting on Bearman’s efforts, Zevenwacht expressed admiration for the Brit’s dedication.
I have no bad feelings or anything. It’s just really, really cool that Ollie had to work for the lap record.
—Elton Zevenwacht
Bearman himself shared amused thoughts about the original record holder, joking that the prior record might have been set by someone
“either 20 kilos or benefited from arctic Swedish spring temperatures.”
Zevenwacht responded with humor:
my weight is like 60 to 65 kilos. So I’m not 20 kilograms!
Zevenwacht’s Background and the Significance of the Record
Despite being a committed F1 enthusiast rather than a professional racer, Elton Zevenwacht knows the Varbergs track intimately. His previous record, set during a two-hour Le Mans rental race, was not a focused attempt for a lap record but rather a product of his familiarity with the circuit.
He runs a roof and exterior cleaning business, balancing work with his karting passion whenever time permits. His surprise at competing against an F1 driver like Bearman adds an intriguing angle to the story.
I’m just a Formula 1 fan, so it was really, really cool to find out that I had the chance to kind of compete with him on the same track. And also that he had to work for the lap time! It’s a very cool feeling.
—Elton Zevenwacht
The Ongoing Rivalry and What to Expect Next
For now, the lap record stands with Zevenwacht, the local hero who managed to outperform a rising F1 driver in a battle of raw speed and technical savvy. This back-and-forth has pleased fans and highlighted an unexpected intersection between grassroots karting and elite motorsport.
Given Bearman’s competitive nature and previous determination, it is likely that this karting record tussle will continue, possibly leading to further rematches at Varbergs Gokart. Motorsport enthusiasts can look forward to seeing if Bearman will attempt to reclaim the record or if Zevenwacht will further cement his local legend status.