Aussie Karter Veitch impresses with podium

At just 14, Australian Kai Veitch is already making waves in England following a standout podium last weekend.

Veitch became one of the youngest drivers ever to score a podium finish in the Senior Rotax final at the 2025 Kartmasters British Grand Prix.

The Aussie, who is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Oscar Piastri, Daniel Ricciardo and Jack Doohan, charged from 14th to third in the final with the podium secured following a daring three-kart overtake on the final lap.

This completed a daring drive as Veitch had to secure silverware the hard way.

After a mechanical DNF, he was forced to start the pre-final down in 27th, but flew up to 14th.

Kai Veitch in action in England. image: Supplied

In the final, he steadily climbed to eighth by the penultimate lap, which soon became sixth after he avoided an incident ahead.

However, nothing was gifted to Veitch when he charged into podium contention.

A bold dive down the inside of a notorious 90-degree right hander saw him pass not one, but three rivals in the one move to shoot to third in grand style.

Having shown promise in Europe, the Kartmasters British Grand Prix podium was a breakthrough for the Aussie teenager at an event where current British F1 stars Lando Norris, Oli Bearman and George Russell have made their mark.

“After the DNF in the last heat, we had to dig deep,” Veitch said.

“Starting so far back wasn’t ideal, but the kart was strong and I knew I had to take every opportunity. 

“I’m proud of how we fought back. Big thanks to Aiden Neate and KR Sport for believing in me and making it possible.” 

Kai Veitch (far right) on the podium. Image: Supplied

Veitch is already a mainstay on the European karting scene having raced across Germany, Italy, Belgium, and the Czech Republic in addition to the UK.

Having worked closely with Aiden Neate, he has achieved regular top 10 qualifying and heat finishes against international senior grids, while he is participating full seasons in both the Rotax MAX Euro Trophy and British Kart Championship.

It has all happened very quickly for Veitch, but he is taking it all in his stride.

“I started karting when I was 11, so this is my fourth year,” he said. 

“I moved up to seniors at 14 because I wanted tougher grids and more learning. 

“It’s faster, more physical, and the racing’s harder, but I like being pushed.

“It’s intense. They don’t give you any space because you’re young — you have to prove yourself every time. But it makes you better. 

“I had to level up quickly, not just with speed but with racecraft and mindset.”

Looking to the future, he hopes to take on Formula 4 in 2026 and has already completed car testing and simulation preparation.

“That’s the goal. I’m working towards a move to F4 next season,” he said. 

Kai Veitch on the grid. Image: Supplied

“I know how big the jump is, the fitness, the cost, the pace, so everything I’m doing now is to prepare for that. 

“Karting teaches the fundamentals, but I’m already thinking about the next step.

“People think racing’s the exciting part, but most of it is just work. I’m either training, reviewing data, or studying. That’s what I need to do, and I like the pressure of trying to do both properly.

“I want to be on the F1 path, but I’m not skipping school to get there. Minerva lets me do both. I log into class from wherever I am, even if it’s a hotel or a race truck.”

Veitch has chosen some pretty good role models and has already even worked with Oscar Piastri in the simulator.

“Lewis Hamilton was always the inspiration: someone who came up through karting and fought for it,” he said. 

“I also watch a lot of Oscar Piastri and have raced with him in the sim he’s super calm under pressure, smart with strategy. That’s the kind of driver I want to be.”

According to his coach, Veitch is going places.

“Kai’s mature beyond his years. You don’t often see that level of focus in someone so young, especially when they’re balancing school with racing at this level,” he said.

“The fact that he’s racing seniors already says a lot. He’s got the race craft, but more importantly, he’s got the attitude. That’s what will take him far.”

Next stop on his calendar is the British Kart Championship later this month.

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