Key Highlights
- Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen competes against 100 amateur drivers in Red Bull’s “Max vs 100” go-karting event at Silverstone on September 16.
- Verstappen starts at the rear of a 101-kart grid and has 30 laps or 55–75 minutes to overtake every rival; amateurs qualify in five groups of 20 to set the grid order.
- The race streams live on ESPN via Disney+ from 6 p.m. local time, featuring Mario Kart–inspired graphics, cinematic drone footage, and commentary by comedian Mo Gilligan.
Verstappen Returns to Karting Roots in Massive Head-to-100 Showdown
Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is trading his Red Bull Racing RB20 for an identical 85 kg go-kart today at Silverstone, taking on 100 challengers in a one-off spectacle branded Max vs 100. Organized by Red Bull, the event pits the Dutch driver against a mixed field of athletes, celebrities, content creators, and everyday fans on a purpose-built layout of the Silverstone kart circuit. Verstappen, a four-time F1 title holder, described the outing as a natural return to the discipline that forged his race craft.
“In go-karts you learn all the basics: starts, defending, overtaking,” said Verstappen. “Of course, I spent a long period of my life go-karting, so it’s always nice to return,
“It’s about understanding the grip of the go-kart. I’ve done so many years in go-karting that you quite naturally get back into things.”
Format: One Pro, 100 Amateurs, 30 Laps to Conquer the Field
The competition structure is designed for maximum drama. After a qualifying session at 2:20 p.m. local time—split into five segments of 20 drivers each, with each karter allowed a single flying lap—the 100 amateurs will line up ahead of Verstappen, who starts dead last. He then has 30 laps, capped at 55 to 75 minutes, to pass every opponent. Each driver he overtakes is immediately eliminated, meaning the contest could finish well before the full distance.
To level the playing field slightly, amateurs may deploy one “fast lap” during the first half of the race, using a track shortcut to gain ground. For the final 15 laps, however, that tactical option belongs exclusively to Verstappen. All karts are mechanically identical, and the reigning champion can communicate directly with his rivals via radio throughout the event.
Star-Studded Amateur Grid Blends Sport, Entertainment, and Social Media
The published entry list reads like a crossover episode of British pop culture. Confirmed participants include content creators Zac Alsop and Jack McDermott (known professionally as Pieface), 2019 Love Island winner Amber Gill, and ultramarathon runner Arda Saatci. The diverse roster underscores Red Bull’s intent to merge motorsport with broader entertainment audiences, turning a pure driving challenge into a viral-ready spectacle.
Broadcast Plan: Mario Kart Aesthetic Meets Live Sports Production
Qualifying will not be televised, but the main race airs live at 6 p.m. local time on ESPN via Disney+, Red Bull’s commercial partner, with a pre-event show beginning at 5 p.m. Comedian Mo Gilligan hosts the coverage, which promises a heavy Mario Kart vibe: game-inspired on-screen graphics, cinematic drone footage, and a production style built for social clips as much as traditional broadcast. The visual language is deliberately playful, reinforcing the event’s positioning at the intersection of elite sport and mass-market entertainment.
Why This Matters
Max vs 100 represents a growing trend in motorsport: leveraging driver personality and accessible formats to reach audiences beyond the traditional F1 paddock. By stripping away the technological complexity of Formula 1 machinery and placing a world champion in identical equipment against relatable opponents, Red Bull creates a narrative that is instantly understandable—can the best driver on the planet beat 100 people at once? The event also serves as a proof of concept for future “pro vs. mass participation” spectacles, potentially opening new revenue streams through streaming rights, sponsorship integrations, and short-form content distribution. For Verstappen, it reinforces his brand as a racer’s racer who never lost touch with the grassroots of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where can I watch Max vs 100 live?
The race streams live on ESPN via Disney+ starting at 6 p.m. local time (Silverstone) on Wednesday, September 16, with a pre-show at 5 p.m. Qualifying at 2:20 p.m. is not broadcast.
How does the elimination format work?
Verstappen starts last in a 101-kart field. Every amateur he overtakes is instantly eliminated. He has 30 laps or a maximum of 55–75 minutes to clear the entire field; the event ends early if he passes everyone before the lap or time limit.
Who are some of the notable amateur participants?
The entry list includes British content creators Zac Alsop and Jack McDermott (Pieface), 2019 Love Island winner Amber Gill, and ultramarathon runner Arda Saatci, among athletes, celebrities, and fans selected through Red Bull’s entry process.