Max Verstappen will trade his Formula 1 car for a go-kart next month for a unique racing challenge: overtaking 100 drivers in a single race at Silverstone.
Dubbed “Max vs 100,” the Red Bull-organized event on September 16 will see Verstappen start at the back of a 100-competitor field comprising figures from sports, entertainment, and online media.
The format takes Verstappen back to an important period in his career. Before moving to single-seaters and eventually winning four Formula 1 world championships, the Dutch driver spent years honing his skills in karting.
“In go-karts, you learn all the basics: starts, defending, overtaking,” Verstappen commented. “Of course, I spent a long period of my life go-karting, so it’s always nice to return.”
The 100 competitors will represent diverse fields, including Red Bull athletes, streamers, content creators, media personalities, and fans. Notable participants announced so far include ultrarunner Arda Saatçi, basketball specialist Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews, freestyle mountain biker Matt Jones, and streamers TheGrefg, Caedrel, and TheDonato.
The event’s structure is designed to favor the 100 drivers, challenging Verstappen to navigate through the pack and reach the front.
A custom-built circuit at Silverstone, capable of accommodating 101 karts simultaneously, was designed by former youth karting world champion and French racing driver David Terrien.
The race promises an innovative approach to motorsport coverage, with plans for live race data, on-screen graphics, and drone footage integrated into the broadcast.
Adding another layer of engagement, Verstappen will have direct communication with other drivers during the race, offering viewers real-time exchanges as the challenge progresses.
