Max Verstappen vs 100 karting challenge: format, rivals and how to watch

Max Verstappen is set to trade his Formula 1 car for a kart and take on 100 opponents in a specially staged event at Silverstone. The four-time F1 champion will start at the back of the field, turning “Max vs. 100” into a pure pursuit race: over 30 laps, he must work through the entire grid to win.

How the race works

The race will use a purpose-built karting layout at Silverstone rather than the full Grand Prix circuit. David Terrien created the track and will serve as race director. Its design prioritises overtaking, a necessity when Verstappen must make more than three passes per lap on average to clear the field within the 30-lap distance.

The 100 challengers will qualify in five groups of 20. Each driver gets one flying lap, with the fastest qualifier starting on pole and the slowest lining up immediately ahead of Verstappen.

There is no conventional finish for a driver once Verstappen gets past. A rival is immediately eliminated after being overtaken, although the pass only counts when Verstappen’s kart has fully cleared theirs.

Weight and the fast lap

Weight is also controlled. Every driver must reach a minimum of 85 kilograms, with ballast added to the kart when necessary. Drivers above that limit receive no compensation, reflecting how sensitive karts are to weight differences.

Each participant also has access to a single “fast lap”. The 100 opponents can use theirs during the first half of the race, while Verstappen’s is reserved for the second half. It allows a driver to cut a section of track once and save time.

Verstappen will additionally be able to communicate with all 100 rivals during the race. That means viewers will hear the exchanges between the Dutchman and the field as the elimination process unfolds.

Who is taking part and where to watch

The opposition includes international content creators, influencers, Red Bull athletes, television personalities and F1 journalists. Among the names expected to provide the strongest challenge are GoKartGod, Si Hyun Park, David Egan and Wirtual. Red Bull athletes Billy Bolt, Pol Tarrés and Sarah Lezito are also involved. Sebastian Job’s participation remains unconfirmed.

The event streams live on Disney+. Coverage begins at 5 pm BST, with the race scheduled for 6 pm and expected to last about an hour.