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  • Max Verstappen “Max vs 100” Entry List Revealed: Who Is Racing?

    Max Verstappen “Max vs 100” Entry List Revealed: Who Is Racing?

    Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is set to face a field of 100 challengers in a unique karting spectacle streaming live on Disney+ this Wednesday, 16 September. The “Max vs 100” event will take place on a purpose-built circuit at Silverstone, where the Red Bull Racing driver must fight his way through the pack over 30 laps while his opponents work collectively to keep him behind them.

    Verstappen: “I’ll just rock up and have a good time”

    Speaking during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen adopted a relaxed attitude toward the unusual challenge.

    “I’ll just rock up and have a good time, to be honest. Let’s see how it goes. But yeah, it’s a lot of people,” he said.

    “Starting from the back, it’s going to be challenging, but I hope I can catch them all. But we don’t know yet. I don’t even know the format at the moment. So I will just rock up and do my thing.”

    Star-studded entry list spans sport, streaming, and entertainment

    The opposition features an eclectic mix of professional athletes, content creators, streamers, television personalities, and motorsport figures. Below is the confirmed entry list categorized by primary background.

    Professional athletes and sports stars

    • Leticia Bufoni – Professional skateboarder
    • Sarah Lezito (Sarah Vignot) – Stunt rider
    • Arda Saatçi – Ultra athlete
    • Lethal Shooter (Chris Matthews) – NBA shooting coach
    • Janja Garnbret – Professional climber
    • Leo Neugebauer – Decathlon world champion
    • Molly Carlson – Professional cliff diver
    • Matt Jones – Mountain bike athlete
    • Billy Bolt – Motorcycle racer
    • Aidan Heslop – Cliff diver
    • Pol Tarrés – Enduro rider
    • Si Hyun Park – Professional drift driver
    • Drift Games (David Egan) – Creator and drift driver
    • Mélanie Buffetaud – Content creator and parkour athlete
    • Charles Poujade – Parkour athlete and content creator

    Motorsport media and creators

    • Queen B (Rebecca Evans) – Motorsport creator and presenter
    • Gabs Djay – Motorsport content creator
    • Bea Eguiraun – Motorsport presenter and test rider
    • Tommo McCluskey – Motorsport content creator and presenter
    • Larry Chen – Automotive photographer
    • MrCarSounds (Greg Gevojanyan) – Content creator
    • Supercar Blondie (Niklaus Manuel Hirschi) – Automotive media CEO
    • GoKartGod – Electric kart manufacturer
    • Nate Saunders – F1 reporter

    Streamers and gaming personalities

    • TheGrefg – Streamer and content creator
    • Caedrel (Marc Lamont) – Streamer
    • TheDonato (Donato José Muñoz Calabres) – Streamer and content creator
    • Helydia (Celia Tansel) – Streamer and content creator
    • Diogo ‘MoveMind’ da Silva – Streamer and content creator
    • Jonathan Amaral – Professional Esports player
    • RDJavi (Steven Javier Santos del Rosario) – Streamer
    • TechnoGamerz (Ujjwal Chaurasia) – Gaming content creator
    • Amar (Amar Al-Naimi) – Streamer and entertainer
    • Nugato (Ilija Ravlić) – Streamer
    • iiTzTimmy (Timothy An) – Streamer and professional gamer
    • Qucee (Quentin Correia) – Streamer and YouTuber
    • ExtraEmily (Emily Xuechun Zhang) – Streamer
    • Shreeman Legend (Siddhant Praveen Joshi) – Streamer and YouTuber
    • Tyrique Hyde – Streamer

    YouTubers and content creators

    • Zac Alsop – YouTuber
    • Pieface23 (Jack McDermott) – Content creator
    • TGFBro (Romell Henry) – YouTube content creator
    • Manny (Emmanuel David Brown) – YouTuber
    • Dantic (Daniel Moss) – Content creator and YouTuber
    • Developer Adam (Adam Powell) – Content creator
    • Kalia Lai – Content creator and athlete
    • James Doyle – Content creator
    • AustrianKiwi (Jonathan Balchin) – Comedian
    • Nathan Lust – Content creator
    • Tettrem (Mateus dos Santos Machado Almeida) – Content creator and streamer
    • Mars (Zhang Jing) – Extreme sports creator
    • Pamkutya (Norbert Osbáth) – Content creator
    • Roberts Vītols – Content creator
    • Paky TWC (Patrick Tremolada) – YouTuber
    • Enis Kirazoğlu – Content creator
    • Karol Zdęba – YouTuber
    • Vale Sulca – Content creator
    • German Rodezel – Content creator
    • Pableke (Pablo Jimenez) – Content creator
    • Josh Richards – Creator and entrepreneur
    • John-Marc van Wyk – Content creator
    • Dyler – Artist and content creator
    • Nnnurdaylet – Content creator
    • Julia Haller – Content creator
    • Wirtual (Øyvind Ludwig Iversen) – Content creator
    • Daniel Ahola – Content creator
    • Joe Tasker – Content creator and television presenter
    • Bella James – Content creator
    • Juank Perez – Content creator
    • Jakidale (Jacopo D’Alesio) – YouTuber and content creator
    • Sporttouchen (Timothé Rangström) – Content creator
    • Taylor Serage – Content creator
    • Jojo Sim – Content creator
    • Henry Robert Williams – Sports journalist
    • Austin Sprinz – Content creator

    Television, media, and entertainment

    • Amber Gill – Television personality
    • Stungpegg (Nieve Petruzziello) – Sports presenter and content creator
    • Bash The Entertainer (Bachala Mbunzama) – Content creator and comedian
    • Fresia Aria – Football reporter
    • Joseph Brophy – Sports journalist
    • Molly Marsh – Influencer and television personality
    • Neo Yau (Yau Hawk Sau) – Actor and content creator
    • Mike Dokas – TikTok creator

    Fitness and lifestyle influencers

    • Shredded Fox (Jan Liška) – YouTuber and fitness influencer

    The Max vs 100 event promises an unprecedented crossover between elite motorsport and digital entertainment culture, with all action broadcast live on Disney+ from Silverstone on 16 September.

  • Guenther Steiner Criticizes Lando Norris’s Coca-Cola Spanish GP Moment as ‘unprofessional’

    Guenther Steiner Criticizes Lando Norris’s Coca-Cola Spanish GP Moment as ‘unprofessional’

    Guenther Steiner Criticizes Lando Norris Over Coca-Cola Cooldown Room Incident at Spanish Grand Prix

    Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner has labeled Lando Norris’s decision to drink a Coca-Cola in the post-race cooldown room as unprofessional, following the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. The incident occurred after Norris finished third at the Madring circuit, sparking debate across the paddock and social media.

    Norris Defends Right to Choose His Drink

    With rival beverage company PepsiCo holding an official partnership with Formula 1, a series official reportedly asked the McLaren driver to put the Coca-Cola down. Norris firmly pushed back, stating:

    “I just did a race, so I’m allowed to drink what I would like. Thank you so much.”

    The exchange quickly went viral, with many fans praising Norris for standing his ground. However, Steiner offered a sharply different perspective during an appearance on The Red Flags Podcast.

    Steiner: “If You Are a Professional, You Don’t Do That”

    The former team chief argued that Norris should have adhered to the sport’s commercial protocols, regardless of personal preference.

    “If you are a professional, you don’t do that. End of story,” the former team chief said. “You know what you can do and what you cannot do. You’re well trained. He shouldn’t have done it. Is it a bad thing that he did it? Will somebody get hurt? No. But as a pro, you shouldn’t do it. But he has done it. And you know what? I couldn’t give a s***.”

    Commercial Reality Behind the Controversy

    When asked if the issue stemmed directly from PepsiCo’s F1 partnership, Steiner explained the categorical nature of sponsorship rights.

    “It’s all going by categories. They sell it and obviously if you don’t pay, you cannot have it. And he had a Coke. It was not the smartest thing to do.”

    Steiner added that the backlash ultimately benefited the non-sponsor brand.

    “But as I said, I don’t care because now, for Coca-Cola, it worked out pretty good. It was pretty good for [Coca-Cola]. If they wouldn’t have said anything, nobody would have even noticed, but because it was so bumped up now it’s a thing, and now Coca-Cola is laughing.”

    Race Context and Championship Standings

    Norris started the Spanish Grand Prix from pole position but dropped to third after an ill-timed virtual safety car period cost him the lead. He currently sits fourth in the 2025 drivers’ championship with 186 points, trailing leader Kimi Antonelli by 106 points.

    Lando Norris, McLaren. Photo by: Federico Basile
  • Nico Rosberg Stunned by Kimi Antonelli’s “Unbelievable” Maturity Amid 2026 F1 Title Fight

    Nico Rosberg Stunned by Kimi Antonelli’s “Unbelievable” Maturity Amid 2026 F1 Title Fight

    Rosberg Astonished by Antonelli’s Maturity as Mercedes Rookie Extends 2026 Title Lead

    2016 Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg says he has been left astonished by Kimi Antonelli’s composure during the 2026 season, after the Mercedes rookie secured his eighth victory of the year at the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix held at the Madring circuit.

    The win extends Antonelli’s commanding lead atop the Drivers’ Championship to 81 points over teammate George Russell, who sits second in the standings. The Italian entered the season as a title contender alongside the experienced Russell but has rapidly established himself as the class of the field.

    Rosberg Draws Parallels to 2016 Title Pressure

    Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the Madrid race, Rosberg compared Antonelli’s current mindset to the intense psychological burden he carried during his own championship-winning campaign.

    “We are all human. He’s not superhuman,” Rosberg said. “I was absolutely terrified that it was hard to drive properly. The nearer I got to the end of the season, it was impossible for me to win races or get pole because my brain capacity had so much fear of losing my dream with a stupid mistake or with something which can easily happen.

    “At some point he will have to feel that a little bit. But it’s unbelievable so far how solid and mature he is. Even Toto can’t believe it.”

    Rosberg’s reference to fear paralyzing performance late in a title fight underscores the rarity of Antonelli’s consistency. Despite being only 20 years old, the Italian became the youngest driver ever to lead the championship following back-to-back wins at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix, and has only strengthened his grip since.

    Wolff: Antonelli is “Cool as a Cucumber”

    Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff echoed Rosberg’s amazement, describing his young driver’s demeanor as almost preternaturally calm.

    “I think he’s cool – sometimes an inch too cool! When he brushes the wall five laps from the end and comes on the radio ‘check the car’, you’re like ‘really, again, white lines, walls’ but maybe that’s how he keeps himself in the zone,” Wolff said.

    “Almost his youth helps him a lot because he’s 20. He could stay in this sport for 20 years with so many opportunities. He’s so above all of our expectations and his own. He’s just going with the flow.

    “I think there is also a genetic factor. You are born cool as a cucumber or you’re not. You can see this in junior formula or karting – taking pressure easier.

    “He’s taken this to another level. We are talking about Formula 1. You see junior drivers crumbling in Formula 2.

    “He’s just doing his thing. We told him ‘this is a race where we need to bring it home, need to score points whether it’s P2 or P5, we don’t care, just drive it home’. He does that and goes fast.”

    Wolff’s assessment highlights a maturity that defies the typical rookie trajectory. While many questioned when the pressure would finally affect the young Italian, Antonelli continues to deliver race-winning speed alongside the discipline of a veteran.

    Championship Momentum Builds for Mercedes Phenom

    With eight victories already secured and a substantial points cushion over a proven race-winner in Russell, Antonelli’s maiden title appears increasingly inevitable. The Madrid weekend served as further evidence that the Mercedes driver possesses not only raw pace but the psychological resilience required to close out a championship—a trait that even a former champion like Rosberg finds remarkable.

  • Williams Tipped for ‘Huge Step’ Forward at Azerbaijan GP With Major Upgrade

    Williams Tipped for ‘Huge Step’ Forward at Azerbaijan GP With Major Upgrade

    Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes Williams is poised for a significant performance leap at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as the Grove-based team prepares to debut a major upgrade package.

    Difficult Spanish Grand Prix Highlights Williams Struggles

    The prediction comes on the back of another challenging weekend for Williams at the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix held at the Madrid circuit. Carlos Sainz saw his home race end in retirement, while teammate Alex Albon could only manage a 15th-place finish. The result compounds a difficult 2025 campaign that sees Williams sitting ninth in the Constructors’ Championship with 11 points, ahead of only Aston Martin and Cadillac.

    Montoya Anticipates “Huge Step” in Baku

    Speaking on F1 TV’s post-race broadcast, Montoya expressed high expectations for the team’s next outing.

    “I want to see what Williams brings,” Montoya said of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on F1 TV’s post-race broadcast. “I want to see how much of a step Williams really brings. They even told Carlos today, ‘Sorry for all this pain. Next year, we want to make you proud.’

    “Their first big step in the right direction is the next race. So, we’ll see how much of a step in the right direction it is. I think it’s going to be a huge step, and they deserve it. It’s been a rough year for them.”

    Vowles Confirms “B-Spec” Chassis Upgrade

    Team principal James Vowles previously characterized the impending Baku package as a fundamental overhaul of the current machinery.

    “The best way to describe it to you is it’s a B-spec car,” he said in July. “It’s a new chassis, and other bits that go with it at the same time. That will be a large upgrade, that’s true.”

    Vowles emphasized that the upgrade serves a dual purpose: delivering on-track performance and validating the team’s internal engineering and production capabilities.

    “In terms of our direction of travel, we have to – as a business – prove to ourselves that we can do the engineering to the right level of quality, and build a car to the right level of quality in-season – effectively the equivalency of flying the plane and rebuilding it at the same time.

    “We have to prove to ourselves that we have changed from where we were three years ago, and have that capability. And we’re on target to do it at the moment.”

    Azerbaijan Grand Prix as a Defining Moment

    With the “B-spec” car set to debut on the streets of Baku, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix represents a critical milestone for Williams Racing. The event will offer the first tangible evidence of whether the squad’s restructuring under Vowles can translate into competitive performance and close the gap to the midfield.

  • George Russell Told to Focus on 2027 After Title Bid Branded “a Write-Off” at Spanish GP

    George Russell Told to Focus on 2027 After Title Bid Branded “a Write-Off” at Spanish GP

    Former IndyCar Series driver and current F1 TV analyst James Hinchcliffe has urged George Russell to treat the remaining rounds of the 2026 season as an extended test program for 2027, declaring the Briton’s championship challenge a “write-off” following the Spanish Grand Prix.

    Spanish GP Deals Blow to Russell’s Title Hopes

    The inaugural race at the Madring circuit in Madrid delivered a significant setback for Russell. While his Mercedes team-mate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli capitalised on a well-timed virtual safety car period to secure his eighth career victory, Russell endured a frustrating afternoon to finish fifth.

    The result extended Antonelli’s advantage in the drivers’ standings to 81 points. Although the 28-year-old Russell could still mathematically claim the title, he admitted after the race that his title aspirations are effectively over.

    “Realistically, I’m not in the fight for the drivers, and that just allows me just to focus on race-by-race and trying to focus on just getting some good results,”

    Russell told F1 TV.

    Hinchcliffe: “2027 Starts in Baku”

    Reviewing Russell’s comments on the F1 TV post-race show, Hinchcliffe suggested the Mercedes driver should immediately shift his focus toward 2027 and diagnose the performance deficit relative to his team-mate.

    “I’m going to be honest, most people are [realistically out of the championship] at this point. So, it’s probably best that he takes that mentality and just takes it race by race. Focus on finding what it is that is holding him back from matching the pace of Kimi. He’s now got this next string of races before the end of the season to really dial in so that way he can hit the ground running in 2027. This year is a write-off from a championship standpoint for him. You’ve just got to use these years as learning and for him, in a sense, you can almost argue 2027 starts in Baku.”

    The Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit, scheduled for 24-26 September, represents the next opportunity for Russell to begin that preparation.

  • Kimi Antonelli’s “precious” moment with father goes viral after Spanish GP win

    Kimi Antonelli’s “precious” moment with father goes viral after Spanish GP win

    Key Highlights

    • Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured his eighth Formula 1 victory at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, extending his championship lead to 81 points over teammate George Russell.
    • A heartwarming post-race moment between Antonelli and his father Marco went viral, featuring a red carnation exchange and embrace that fans described as “wholesome” and “precious.”
    • Despite his commanding points advantage, the 20-year-old Italian insists he is not focusing on the championship title, preferring a race-by-race approach ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 24-26.

    Antonelli Dominates in Madrid as Championship Lead Grows

    Andrea Kimi Antonelli continued his remarkable rookie campaign with a decisive victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, marking his eighth win of the Formula 1 season. The Mercedes driver crossed the finish line in Madrid to claim another 25 points, stretching his advantage in the drivers’ standings to a commanding 81-point margin over teammate George Russell, who currently occupies second place. The result further cements Antonelli’s status as the overwhelming favorite for the championship with six rounds remaining on the calendar.

    Viral Father-Son Moment Captures Hearts

    Beyond the on-track dominance, it was a tender post-race scene that captured the imagination of the global Formula 1 community. After parking his Mercedes on the grid, Antonelli was greeted at the barriers by his father, Marco Antonelli, who held a single red carnation. As he handed the flower to his son, the pair shared a laugh and an embrace before the 20-year-old proceeded to his pre-podium duties. The moment, quickly dubbed “Papanelli” by fans—a blend of “Papa” and Antonelli—exploded across social media platforms.

    On Reddit, one user commented, “Such a wholesome moment. Kimi is so easy to root for,” while another joked, “What is this, The Bachelor?” Over on X, the sentiment was equally warm: “The fact that little red carnation was from Papanelli. Stop, that’s so precious,” read one post. Further reactions included, “This is the most Italian thing ever and I love it! Andiamo Kimi!” and the bold declaration, “The new GOAT.”

    Champion’s Mindset: Race by Race

    Despite the near-insurmountable lead, Antonelli refused to engage in title talk during his post-race media duties. When pressed on the prospect of securing his maiden world championship, the Italian was unequivocal in his focus.

    “Well, that’s exactly what I don’t want to do,” Antonelli explained after the race. “I want to keep pushing race by race, you know, keep delivering and keep enjoying all the way, and then, you know, trying to do my best every race. And then we’ll see where we end up at the end of the year.”

    Why This Matters

    Antonelli’s 81-point lead with six races remaining places him in a historically dominant position; mathematically, he could clinch the title as early as the next round in Azerbaijan if results align. However, his public insistence on a process-oriented mindset mirrors the approach taken by recent champions who avoided early complacency. For Mercedes, the Spanish Grand Prix weekend validated their 2024 development trajectory and solidified Antonelli’s status as the franchise’s new cornerstone following Lewis Hamilton’s departure. The Baku City Circuit, hosting rounds 15 through 26 September, presents a unique low-downforce challenge where Mercedes has historically excelled, offering Antonelli a prime opportunity to move within striking distance of the crown.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many points does Kimi Antonelli lead the championship by?

    Antonelli leads the drivers’ championship by 81 points over his Mercedes teammate George Russell following his victory at the Spanish Grand Prix.

    When is the next Formula 1 race?

    The next round is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, scheduled for September 24-26 at the Baku City Circuit.

    What was the significance of the red carnation moment?

    The red carnation was given to Antonelli by his father, Marco Antonelli, in a spontaneous post-race celebration that went viral on social media, with fans praising the genuine, emotional display between father and son.

  • Lando Norris to test McLaren MCL-HY hypercar ahead of Azerbaijan GP

    Lando Norris to test McLaren MCL-HY hypercar ahead of Azerbaijan GP

    Key Highlights

    • Lando Norris will test the McLaren MCL-HY hypercar at Algarve International Circuit on September 14, ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, providing development feedback for the 2027 WEC and Le Mans program.
    • The MCL-HY features a V6 twin-turbocharged mid-engine producing 697 horsepower, designed by McLaren with Dallara responsible for chassis construction.
    • Norris has repeatedly expressed interest in competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, stating he would “love” to take on the challenge and hinting at a future outing once McLaren joins the endurance classic.

    Norris Set for MCL-HY Hypercar Test at Portimao

    McLaren Formula 1 driver Lando Norris is scheduled to pilot the team’s new MCL-HY hypercar at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao, Portugal, on Monday, September 14. The test session falls directly ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend and serves as a critical development milestone for McLaren’s upcoming entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans starting in 2027. The Woking-based outfit aims to leverage Norris’s elite single-seater experience to refine the hypercar’s handling and performance characteristics before its competitive debut.

    MCL-HY Technical Specifications and Development Partnership

    The McLaren MCL-HY represents the British manufacturer’s first purpose-built hypercar for the top tier of endurance racing. Power comes from a V6 twin-turbocharged mid-engine generating 697 horsepower, mated to a chassis engineered by Dallara—the Italian specialist with extensive experience in IndyCar, Formula 2, and previous WEC programs. McLaren retains overall design authority, integrating its proprietary aerodynamics and systems architecture. Norris previously sampled the MCL-HY during a demonstration run at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, offering early impressions that will now be expanded through a structured test program at Portimao’s demanding 4.65-kilometer layout.

    Norris’s Le Mans Ambitions on the Record

    Norris has made no secret of his desire to contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans once McLaren fields a competitive entry. In a video published to the McLaren YouTube channel in May 2026, he articulated his motivation with characteristic candor: “You know, I still feel like I want to go and try other things. Do Le Mans, now McLaren are doing Le Mans, so maybe go and do that at some point. But I don’t know. I’m still young, so I’ve not thought of everything just yet. But, you know, in the future hopefully I have kids and they get into racing or something and then I can live the story again.” He reinforced that stance during the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, telling reporters he would “love” to take on the challenge of the Circuit de la Sarthe.

    Recent Form and Championship Context

    The Portimao test follows the Spanish Grand Prix at the newly introduced Madring circuit, where Norris qualified on pole position but surrendered the race lead due to an ill-timed virtual safety car period. He ultimately finished third behind race winner Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) and Max Verstappen (Red Bull). Antonelli’s victory marked his eighth of the 2025 season, extending his Drivers’ Championship lead to 81 points over teammate George Russell. Norris currently sits fourth in the standings, behind Lewis Hamilton. The hypercar test offers a brief respite from the title fight while advancing McLaren’s long-term endurance racing strategy.

    Why This Matters

    McLaren’s entry into the FIA WEC Hypercar class for 2027 signals a strategic expansion beyond Formula 1, aligning with manufacturers like Ferrari, Toyota, Porsche, Peugeot, Cadillac, BMW, and Alpine who currently contest the series. Securing a driver of Norris’s caliber for development duties underscores the program’s seriousness and could pave the way for a factory-backed Le Mans assault with a driver lineup that blends F1 pedigree with endurance specialists. The September 14 test at Portimao—chosen for its elevation changes and high-speed corners that stress aerodynamic and mechanical balance—will generate crucial correlation data between simulation models and real-world running. For Norris, the outing represents a tangible step toward a personal goal he has voiced publicly: adding a Le Mans victory to a résumé that already includes a Formula 1 World Championship.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When and where will Lando Norris test the McLaren MCL-HY hypercar?
    Norris will test the MCL-HY at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao, Portugal, on Monday, September 14, ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend.
    What are the key technical specifications of the McLaren MCL-HY?
    The MCL-HY is powered by a V6 twin-turbocharged mid-engine producing 697 horsepower. McLaren leads the design, while Dallara is responsible for the chassis construction.
    Has Lando Norris committed to racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
    Norris has not signed a formal commitment but has repeatedly stated his strong interest. In May 2026 he said he wants to “go and try other things” including Le Mans, and during the 2025 Azerbaijan GP weekend he told reporters he would “love” to take on the challenge.
  • Max Verstappen Reveals Laid-Back Approach to 100-Driver Silverstone Challenge

    Max Verstappen Reveals Laid-Back Approach to 100-Driver Silverstone Challenge

    Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has revealed he has done absolutely no preparation for his upcoming 30-lap go-kart challenge against 100 competitors at Silverstone next week. The Red Bull Racing driver will start from the back of the grid and attempt to overtake every participant on the historic circuit.

    Verstappen: “I’ll Just Rock Up and Do My Thing”

    Speaking to media ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, the Dutchman displayed his trademark relaxed confidence when questioned about the unique event. The field includes athletes, streamers, content creators, personalities, and fans.

    “No, I didn’t do anything,” he explained when asked if he has looked up who his competitors would be. “I’ll just rock up and have a good time, to be honest. Let’s see how it goes. But yeah, it’s a lot of people.

    “Starting from the back, it’s going to be challenging, but I hope I can catch them all. But we don’t know yet. I don’t even know the format at the moment. So I will just rock up and do my thing.”

    F1 Rivals Weigh In on the Spectacle

    The challenge has drawn attention from Verstappen’s Formula 1 peers, who offered mixed assessments of his chances during their own press commitments.

    Leclerc Urges Caution for Both Sides

    Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, speaking in Italy, highlighted the potential risks involved with such a large field.

    “I mean, 100 is a lot,” the Monegasque driver explained in Italy. “Honestly, the only advice I’ll give is maybe not to crash into Max, because he’s got a season to finish, and for Max to be careful, because I don’t know how professional those drivers are.

    “But 100 drivers is quite a lot on a track, so I think it will be fun. But obviously, when you’re racing against one of the best drivers in the world, they’ll probably have a tough time.”

    Sainz Predicts Easy Victory Based on Personal Experience

    Williams driver Carlos Sainz provided a more mathematical prediction during the Madrid press conference, drawing on his own recent karting experience.

    “I did a karting race yesterday with my team. Started 20th because we did reverse grid and I was P1 in five laps. So by my calculations, if there are another 20 times five, in 20 laps Max will be P1 for sure. 15-20 laps, or who knows, depends how much overtaking there is. But he will win it easy.”

    The Silverstone event promises to be a unique spectacle, pitting one of motorsport’s greatest current talents against a massive, eclectic grid in identical machinery. With zero preparation and a relaxed mindset, Verstappen appears ready to embrace the chaos.

  • David Croft hails Kimi Antonelli’s maturity as F1 title charge gathers pace

    David Croft hails Kimi Antonelli’s maturity as F1 title charge gathers pace

    Sky Sports Formula 1 lead commentator David Croft has backed Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli to become a younger world champion than Max Verstappen, citing the Italian’s rapid development and exceptional maturity.

    Historic Monza Victory Extends Championship Lead

    Antonelli delivered an incredible performance at last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, driving from 19th on the grid to victory in front of his home crowd. The 20-year-old became the first home driver to win at Monza in 60 years, extending his championship lead over his team-mate George Russell to 66 points ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

    Croft Draws Parallels With Verstappen’s Early Career

    During an appearance on the Sky Sports F1 Show, Croft compared Antonelli’s current trajectory to that of Verstappen, who made his F1 debut at 17, won his first race at 18 and his first championship at 24.

    “12 months ago he was at Monza and was just coming out of a very difficult period where, from the podium in Canada, things had started to go wrong and he wasn’t happy,” Croft explained. “He was working really hard with Bono [Peter Bonnington] to try and put things right and then went on a really good run towards the end of the season.

    “It’s almost like he’s growing up with less experience than Max. Max had that experience with Toro Rosso for a season and then a couple of races before he went up to the Red Bull team.

    “He’s doing things earlier than Max. He’s going to be a younger world champion than Max was. He is a younger polesitter. He is a younger grand prix winner. He’s getting everything done very, very early indeed and showing a lot of maturity with it.

    Emotional Control Marks Generational Talent

    Croft emphasized that Antonelli’s emotional control distinguishes him as a generational talent, noting visible improvement in the youngster’s racecraft.

    “I’ve seen and heard signs on the track this year where he’s controlling his emotions. He’s calming down. He’s keeping a lid on things that might have got the better of him 12 months ago.

    “That is why people are saying this man is a generational talent because it’s one thing to have an ability, it’s another to have that controlled ability and to start being very mature at an age where I think all three of us can agree we certainly wouldn’t have been capable of doing anything near what Kimi Antonelli is doing.”

    Record-Breaking Season Underway

    Antonelli took the lead of the standings after back-to-back wins in the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix. He went on to secure four more victories before the summer break and his win in Italy was his seventh F1 win.

    For context, Sebastian Vettel became the youngest F1 champion in history, claiming his first title in 2010 at the age of 23 years and 134 days.

    Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing. Photo by: Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images
  • Cadillac Fined Twice After Sergio Perez FP1 Infringements in Madrid

    Cadillac Fined Twice After Sergio Perez FP1 Infringements in Madrid

    The Cadillac Formula 1 team has received two fines after Sergio Perez was caught speeding in the pit lane during the first free practice session (FP1) at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.

    Perez Breaches Pit Lane Speed Limit Twice

    The Mexican driver exceeded the mandatory 80 km/h pit lane speed limit on two separate occasions during the opening session of the weekend. FIA stewards penalized the American outfit for breaching Article B1.6.3a.i of the FIA F1 regulations.

    • First offence: A fine of €700 after Perez was clocked at 86.7 km/h, exceeding the limit by 6.7 km/h.
    • Second offence: A heavier penalty of €1,000 after Perez was recorded travelling at 96.7 km/h, exceeding the limit by 16.7 km/h.

    Difficult Debut Season Continues for Cadillac

    The infractions come amid a challenging inaugural campaign for the Cadillac squad. As the team works to adapt to the championship, it has grappled with significant reliability issues. In the drivers’ standings, Perez currently sits 23rd while his team-mate Valtteri Bottas occupies 22nd place; both drivers have yet to score a point.

    Madrid Debut: The Madring Circuit

    The first practice session in Madrid also marked the first time Formula 1 drivers tackled the Madring circuit. Built around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre and the nearby Valdebebas district, the venue operates a semi-street circuit layout. The track features a mix of tight zones and high-speed straights, highlighted by a banked, sweeping curve named “La Monumental”.

    Perez: “A Proper Race Track”

    Speaking to the media ahead of the race weekend, Perez offered his initial impressions based on simulator work:

    “The track itself is a proper race track, from what I’ve seen,” Perez told the media ahead of the race weekend. “I haven’t been on the circuit yet, but from what I’ve seen on the simulator, it’s a proper track.
    “It’s a bit scary, I’ll say. It reminds me a bit of Jeddah. Good, proper track, really happy to be here, and I think the atmosphere here is going to be one of the best.”

    FP1 Results

    The 36-year-old concluded the session with the 21st fastest time, finishing only ahead of team-mate Bottas.