The idea is deliberately absurd. Put the reigning Formula 1 world champion at the very back of a grid full of amateurs, then ask him to pick his way past all of them before the clock runs out.
That is the format of “Max vs 100,” which gets under way at Silverstone at 6pm local time on Wednesday, September 16, with a pre-race show from 5pm local time. Verstappen skips qualifying and starts from position 101. Every driver he overtakes is out of the race.
The 100 challengers complete a single flying lap to set their grid slots, split into five groups of 20. All 101 karts are identical, weighing 85kg, with sealed ballast added for anyone under the minimum. The circuit itself is a custom layout that links Silverstone’s existing kart track to a purpose-built extension onto the Grand Prix venue.
30 laps, one shortcut each
Verstappen has a maximum of 30 laps, or between 55 and 75 minutes, to clear the field. Each of the 100 challengers gets a one-time “fast lap” shortcut they can use during the first half of the race. Verstappen’s own shortcut only unlocks in the second half, once the amateurs’ window has closed.
Read also: HYROX athlete furious after bizarre disqualification sparks major double-standard row
The grid is a mix of professional racers, athletes, content creators and fans invited from around the world. Confirmed names include 2019 Love Island winner Amber Gill, ultramarathon runner Arda Saatçi, basketball trick-shot artist Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews, freestyle mountain biker Matt Jones, and streamers TheGrefg, Caedrel and TheDonato.
Verstappen back on the karts
Verstappen learned to race in karting before graduating to single-seaters, and he has kept the discipline close, running his own karting team. He said the return felt familiar.
“It’s about understanding the grip of the go-kart. I’ve done so many years in go-karting that you quite naturally get back into things,” Verstappen told motorsport.com.
Circuit designer David Terrien, who laid out the bespoke track, said the scale had no precedent.
“Creating a track for 101 drivers simultaneously has never been done or seen,” he said on Red Bull’s own preview of the event.
Streaming globally, comedian on commentary
The race is being pitched as an entertainment product rather than a motorsport broadcast in the traditional sense. Cinematic drone footage, video-game-style graphics and live audio between Verstappen and his rivals feature throughout. BAFTA-winning comedian Mo Gilligan leads the coverage.
Globally the race streams on Disney+. In the United States it is on the ESPN app for ESPN Unlimited subscribers, with a replay to follow on ESPN2. Qualifying is not broadcast; coverage picks up with the pre-show at 5pm local time and racing at 6pm local time.
Read also: Postecoglou fires back at reporter who said Cristiano Ronaldo 'did nothing'
Read also: Djokovic returns to the one tournament he has never lost
