Max Verstappen takes on 100 karters at Silverstone in 'Max vs 100' showdown

Max Verstappen is trading his F1 car for a go-kart today at Silverstone, as Red Bull's 'Max vs 100' event puts the four-time world champion against 100 amateur drivers. Verstappen will start from the back of a 101-kart grid and has 30 laps — or a maximum of 55-75 minutes — to overtake every rival and win the race.

Why it matters:

The event highlights Verstappen's karting roots, where he developed the racecraft that now defines his F1 career. It also shows how Red Bull is using entertainment-driven formats to bring the sport to a wider audience, mixing professional racing with celebrities, content creators, and everyday fans in a unique spectacle.

The details:

• Amateurs qualify with one flying lap each, with the grid split into five groups of 20 drivers.
• Any driver overtaken by Verstappen is immediately eliminated, so the contest could end before the 30 laps are complete.
• In the first half of the race, each amateur can use a "fast lap" shortcut to build a gap, but Verstappen gains exclusive access to that advantage for the final 15 laps.
• All karts are identical, each weighing 85kg with driver, leaving no mechanical edge.
• Verstappen can talk to his rivals directly via radio, adding a psychological element.
• The entry list includes British content creators Zac Alsop and Jack "Pieface" McDermott, Love Island winner Amber Gill, and ultramarathon runner Arda Saatci.
• The race is streamed live on ESPN via Disney+, with comedian Mo Gilligan hosting and broadcast graphics inspired by Mario Kart, plus cinematic drone footage.

What's next:

Qualifying runs from 2:20pm local time, with the race itself starting at 6pm. With Verstappen's overtaking skill and the elimination format, the action could be decided well before the 30-lap mark — though the amateurs' early "fast lap" option keeps the outcome uncertain until the final phase.