Max Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 world champion with 71 grand prix victories to his name, completed an extraordinary karting challenge at Silverstone by passing all 100 amateur competitors in under 15 minutes. The 28-year-old Dutch driver needed just 13 to 14 laps and 35 minutes to overtake every participant in what was billed as a return to his racing roots, finishing with substantial time remaining in the allotted window.
The event, called Max vs 100, took place on a purpose-built karting circuit at the Northamptonshire grand prix venue. According to Red Bull, the invitation-only race drew 100 challengers from around the world, with Verstappen starting at the back of the 101-driver field. He had a maximum of 30 to 35 laps and a time window of 55 to 75 minutes to complete the challenge, though he surpassed the target far earlier than anticipated.
The field consisted entirely of television personalities, sports figures, social media content creators and Red Bull athletes—no professional racing drivers competed. A chaotic opening lap saw numerous collisions and spins, forcing a brief race suspension as the field sorted itself out. Verstappen climbed to 37th position by the end of that opening lap despite the mayhem around him.
By lap six, the Red Bull driver had advanced to 10th place, and by lap 10 he occupied fourth position. Each driver he passed was required to retire from the race. Verstappen warned participants over the radio that
it's not a charity event, signalling his intent to complete the task decisively.
Who were the final challengers?
As the field dwindled, only three drivers remained in contention by the closing stages: Dutch F1 journalist Jacky Martens, Red Bull engine builder Lewis Osler and YouTuber Zac Alsop. All three were granted an additional 'fast lap' privilege allowing them to cut a corner of the track in an attempt to extend their time against Verstappen, but none could hold him off indefinitely.
Martens, who had secured pole position during qualifying, became the final driver to be overtaken. Verstappen completed his challenge with 40 minutes and 21 laps remaining in his time allowance, demonstrating the scale of his dominance over the amateur field.
How was the event broadcast?
According to ESPN, the race was streamed globally on Disney+, with United States coverage available through the ESPN App and a delayed broadcast on ESPN2. Red Bull confirmed that live coverage began at 5pm UK time on September 16, 2026, with the race starting at 6pm. No spectators were permitted on site during the event, which was framed as a showcase of Verstappen's return to his karting origins.
What is Verstappen's karting background?
Verstappen began his racing career as a junior competitor in karting before progressing through the motorsport ranks to Formula 1. He has dominated the sport in recent years, winning four consecutive world championships between 2021 and 2024. The Max vs 100 challenge represented a nostalgic return to the discipline where his career began, albeit against a field of non-professional competitors rather than elite junior racers.
Key Facts
- Verstappen overtook all 100 amateur drivers in 13–14 laps and 35 minutes, well ahead of his 30–35 lap, 55–75 minute time limit
- The field included TV personalities, sports figures, content creators and Red Bull athletes, with no professional racing drivers competing
- The event was broadcast globally on Disney+ and on ESPN platforms in the United States
- Verstappen has won 71 Formula 1 grand prix races and four consecutive world titles from 2021 to 2024
- The challenge was marketed as an invitation-only event drawing competitors from around the world
