Competitiveness Is Everything
Let me be real with you.
In karting, talent matters. Equipment matters. Track time matters. But the single biggest factor that separates the greats from the rest? Competitiveness.
If you don’t have that fire inside, the hunger to win and the pain of losing… you won’t last.
Because karting isn’t just about being quick over one lap, it’s about fighting, adapting, and pushing when everyone else wants to give up.
Why Competitiveness Runs Deep
Competitiveness is built into human history. Think about it. Since the beginning of time, we’ve had to compete: for food, for safety, for survival.
It’s no surprise that the same instinct drives athletes today.
When I look at the best athletes across sports, whether it’s Novak Djokovic in tennis, Muhammad Ali in boxing, or Lewis Hamilton in Formula, they all share one thing: an insane level of competitiveness.
Karting Is the Exact Same Battlefield
Karting is a contact sport.
In European kart races, the top 15 drivers are often running the same lap times, with similar engines, similar chassis, and similar talent. So what makes the difference?
The one who wants it more. The one who refuses to lose. That’s where competitiveness decides everything.
My Own Story With Competitiveness
I grew up racing with my younger brother, Leo. We’re only two years apart, so from a young age, everything was a competition.
Who swam faster, who scored more goals, who set the quickest lap. It shaped us both.
And I’m really grateful for that.
Later in my career, I saw the same thing when training with Charles Leclerc at Formula Medicine. Even during “rest breaks” we’d play ping pong, and nobody wanted to lose.
It wasn’t about the game. It was about pride. Losing felt like humiliation. Both of us just wanted to win.
That competitiveness fueled us to push harder on track.
Competitiveness: Nature or Nurture?
Are you born competitive? Or do you become competitive?
I believe it’s nurture. Environment shapes you. I really believe that.
If you grow up with siblings or friends constantly pushing you, you learn to fight harder.
But don’t worry if you didn’t have that — you can still develop it.
How? By seeking competition. Expose yourself to challenges.
Play sports, race often, compete in anything that makes you uncomfortable.
Losing stings — but that sting becomes fuel later on in your life.
5 Ways to Develop Competitiveness in Karting
If you’re serious about karting, here’s how you can sharpen that beast mode:
- Compete Beyond Karting
Tennis, football, skiing — I did all of them as a kid. Every sport adds fire and teaches you how to handle pressure. - Treat Losing Like a Wake-Up Call
If losing doesn’t hurt, you’re in trouble. Use it as motivation to bounce back stronger. - Compete in the Little Things
Even a card game or reaction-light drill can fire up your competitiveness. Take it seriously. - Surround Yourself With Hungry People
Train and race with those who push you. If everyone around you is satisfied with being average, you’ll get stuck there too. - Never Settle
Winning once isn’t enough. The best drivers hate losing more than they love winning. That mindset keeps you sharp.
Final Thoughts: Be Competitive or Be Average
Competitiveness isn’t optional. It’s what turns decent drivers into champions. It’s what makes the difference when everyone else has the same lap time.
So ask yourself, are you truly competitive?
Do you hate losing enough to do whatever it takes to win?
Because in karting, the wolves win. The sheep get eaten.
