Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is set to compete in the ‘Max vs 100’ karting challenge today, Wednesday, September 16, at Silverstone. The Red Bull driver will attempt to overtake 100 competitors within 30 laps on a specially designed circuit.
The unique event, organised by Red Bull, places Verstappen at the back of a 101-kart grid. His objective is to pass every rival before the race concludes.
The karting layout, created by race director David Terrien, is engineered to maximise overtaking opportunities. This design is crucial given Verstappen’s task of averaging over three passes per lap.
The 100 challengers comprise a diverse field of international content creators, influencers, Red Bull athletes, and television personalities. They hail from various regions, including the United States, Australia, South Africa, and Norway.
Notable participants include karting specialist GoKartGod, Korean drift racer Si Hyun Park, and Norwegian YouTuber Wirtual. Ultrarunner Arda Saatçi, basketball phenomenon Chris ‘Lethal Shooter’ Matthews, and 2019 Love Island winner Amber Gill are also competing.
All competitors will race in identical karts. A minimum weight of 85 kilograms, including the driver and kit, is enforced, with ballast added to karts if necessary to ensure parity.
Grid positions for the 100 challengers are determined by a single flying lap in a qualifying session. Verstappen, however, will not participate in qualifying and starts from the very last position.
A tactical element is introduced with a ‘fast lap’ shortcut available to all drivers. The 100 challengers can utilise their shortcut once during the first 15 laps of the race.
Verstappen also possesses a fast lap, but he is restricted from using it until the final 15 laps. This rule aims to provide the field with an initial advantage.
A key feature of the event allows Verstappen to communicate directly with his rivals during the race. This interaction is expected to provide engaging viewing for fans.
Live coverage of ‘Max vs 100’ commenced at 5 PM UK time, with the race scheduled to start at 6 PM UK time. The event is broadcast globally on Disney+ and the ESPN app.
British comedian Mo Gilligan is hosting the live broadcast, which incorporates game-inspired graphics and cinematic drone footage.
Verstappen commented on his state of mind ahead of the challenge, stating, ‘Feeling good. Curious to see what happens in the next few hours.’
He also acknowledged the difficulty, remarking, ‘It’s not impossible but it will be tough and that’s good because it is challenge.’
Former Formula 1 world champion David Coulthard suggested that such challenges are essential for Verstappen to maintain his passion for racing.
Coulthard highlighted Verstappen’s active participation in other motorsport disciplines, including GT3 testing and the Nurburgring 24 hours race.
Verstappen admitted it would be ‘quite embarrassing if they are faster than me’ when discussing the calibre of his opponents.
He anticipates the initial two laps will be the most critical for making progress through the field.
Once Verstappen overtakes a kart, that driver is eliminated from the challenge. The field will progressively shrink as the race unfolds.
Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad provided tips to the challengers in preparation for the event.
