Max Verstappen to take on 100 drivers in 'world's biggest' go-kart race at Silverstone

Four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen will take on 100 go-kart drivers in a one-of-a-kind event at Silverstone on September 16th, starting from the back of the grid and tasked with overtaking every single challenger before the checkered flag.

Why it matters:

"Max vs 100" marks a return to Verstappen's roots. The Dutchman built his racing foundation in karting, winning a host of titles in 2013 before making the jump to cars, and this event gives fans a rare look at the reigning champion in the format that started it all. With a global live broadcast on Disney+, it's a spectacle designed to bring F1's biggest star to an even wider audience.

The details:

• The purpose-built circuit at Silverstone was designed by David Terrien, a renowned kart designer and former youth karting world champion.
• Verstappen will start at the back of the 100-driver field, making overtaking the central challenge of the event.
• The broadcast will feature game-inspired graphics, cinematic drone footage, and live race data displayed on screen throughout.
• In a unique twist, Verstappen will be able to communicate directly with his competitors during the race.

What's next:

The event lands in the days after the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, giving Verstappen a quick turnaround from F1 duty to the kart track. "In go-karts you learn all the basics: starts, defending, overtaking," Verstappen said. "I've done so many years in go-karting that you quite naturally get back into things. I will be looking forward to just seeing the carnage unfold in front of me."