Oliver Bearman recently encountered Elton Zevenwacht after Zevenwacht reclaimed the karting lap record at a small track in Sweden, which Bearman had just set during a brief break. This competitive exchange unfolded shortly before the Hungarian Grand Prix, drawing attention to the spirited rivalry between the two drivers.

Bearman’s Quest for the Karting Lap Record in Sweden

Following his home Grand Prix at Silverstone, British driver Oliver Bearman took time off in the Swedish town of Varberg before traveling to Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix. While in Varberg, Bearman discovered a compact karting circuit and aimed to set a new lap record—a challenge he ultimately accomplished.

Bearman described his determination:

“I was on vacation in Sweden and there was a kart track very close to where I was staying that week,”

he said. Encouraged by his girlfriend’s family to beat the record, Bearman admitted it wasn’t as simple as expected at first:

“On the first day I was three or four tenths off.”

He elaborated on the track’s demands, explaining that the short 29-second lap required high precision.

“The track was really cool. It was a short lap, only 29 seconds, so you had to be super precise and I was trying every trick in the book to do it because the guy was quick.”

The process involved meticulous preparation, with Bearman recounting that on the final day they fitted new tyres and optimized pressures after each run:

“I was at it for almost two hours. You had to really put the perfect lap together and move some of the walls a little bit and finally, I managed to beat the lap time by just like half a tenth. I did like 15 laps where I was 0.03 or 0.04 away from it. And when you’re that close, you can’t quit until you win!”

Record Reclaimed by Zevenwacht and Competitive Banter Heats Up

Shortly after Bearman set the lap record, Elton Zevenwacht, a 23-year-old Haas Formula 1 driver, returned to the track to reclaim the fastest time. The moment when Bearman and Zevenwacht met—captured by the Haas F1 team—showcased Bearman’s playful yet competitive nature as he questioned Zevenwacht on details like the time of day the record was set, as well as his height and weight.

Bearman openly admitted his feelings about losing the record again: “I wasn’t pleased at all.”

He expressed his intention to come back stronger, saying,

“I’m going to go back next year at 7[pm],”

adding a competitive suggestion,

“We should go together next time, slipstream each other. We can do the record by like 5 tenths,”

joking that if Zevenwacht beats him again, then Zevenwacht should visit the Belgian Grand Prix.

Significance of the Rivalry and Next Steps

This exchange between Bearman and Zevenwacht highlights the passion and fierce determination among rising talents within motorsport. Their ongoing rivalry around the Oliver Bearman karting lap record demonstrates how even during breaks, drivers seek challenges to sharpen their skills. The rematch planned for next year in Sweden is eagerly anticipated, promising further excitement as both aim to push each other to even greater performance.