Verstappen to race 100 rivals in Silverstone karting challenge

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen will attempt to overtake 100 rivals in a unique karting challenge at Silverstone on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The event, dubbed 'Max vs 100,' sees the Dutch driver start from the very back of a 101-kart grid and requires him to pass every competitor within 30 laps to win. The challenge is produced by Red Bull and will be broadcast live on Disney and ESPN. The field consists of 100 amateur drivers, including content creators, athletes, journalists, and fans, all competing in identical 85kg karts. The race takes place on a purpose-built layout of the Silverstone kart track. Verstappen acknowledged the difficulty of the task. 'It would be quite embarrassing if I don't beat them,' he said, while admitting that overtaking 100 drivers in 30 laps will be far from straightforward. The event features a unique rule: during the first 15 laps, amateur drivers can use a 'fast lap' shortcut to gain distance, but for the final 15 laps, only Verstappen is permitted to use it. The four-time champion can also communicate directly with his rivals via radio.