The F1 world just got a dose of pure, unadulterated racing joy as former teammates Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz rekindled their rivalry in an epic karting showdown that spanned a century of motorsport history.
Key Points:
- Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz reunited for a unique karting challenge.
- They raced karts dating from a 1959 Twin Vill up to modern 2026 models.
- The challenge showcased the evolution of karting technology and driver skill.
- Norris ultimately claimed victory in the final 2026 kart head-to-head.
A Blast from the Past: The Vintage Machines
Their journey kicked off with a raw 1959 Twin Vill. Imagine the challenge: no comfort, no frills, just raw power and a battle to stay seated. Norris himself called it "a workout not to fall out," needing to "lean in" just to navigate the track.
Sainz quickly stamped his authority, clocking 59.62 seconds to Norris's 1 minute flat. The evolution continued with the 1968 HKS, where Sainz marvelled at the "proper engine" but also the "zero" brakes – a stark reminder of karting's unforgiving early days.
The Dawn of Modern Karting: 70s and Beyond
As the duo moved into the 1970s, a significant leap in performance and driver ergonomics became evident. The 1979 DAP chassis, a replica of the legendary Ayrton Senna's kart, allowed Norris to shave seconds off his previous times, hitting 51.68s. This era marked karting's transition towards a serious proving ground for future F1 legends.
They pushed through the 1989 Birel Parilla TT36, the 1996 CRG Kalifornia, a rare 2000 CRG Millennium, and the 2010 Fernando Alonso-IAME X30. Each machine told a story of innovation, gradually increasing speed and control, leading to the highly refined machines of today.
The Ultimate Showdown: Modern Beasts Unleashed
The grand finale pitted the F1 stars against each other in their personalized 2026 karts – the LN Racing Kart and the CS55 kart. This was where raw talent and contemporary engineering truly shined.
Sainz initially set a blistering pace with 41.40s. However, demonstrating his cutting-edge skills, Lando Norris edged him out, securing the overall victory with an incredible 40.91s lap. It was a thrilling conclusion to a spectacular journey through karting history, proving these F1 gladiators are just as electric on four wheels, no matter the era.
