Verstappen compete in kart race: 'Then Daniel decided to be a terrorist'

"Checo did a good job. He was well in control and did a lot of donuts, I think everyone wants to see that," Verstappen began to tell after the demos at the Motegi circuit. He then looks back briefly at the year in which he won 19 out of 22 races. "It was a season that nobody really expected beforehand. We are really proud of it."

Verstappen said he had a great time. "It's great to see so many fans here again. Thank you everyone for coming." Ricciardo added: "We are actually a bit used to this because when we race in Japan there is always a very big group of loyal fans. It was great today."

Moments later, the drivers were also scheduled to compete in a karting race. Smiling: "[The race] started off quite well but then Daniel decided to be a terrorist, he literally tried to kill everyone out there" (Honda Thanks Day Kart Race)

Eight-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez was also present at the event. It was the last time for the Spanish rider: he is retiring from the Repsol Honda team after this year to embark on a new adventure with Gresini Racing [who ran with a Ducati bike] in 2024.