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Max Verstappen makes surprise return to karting - can he beat 100 drivers?
Red Bull Public Relations ^ | August 25, 2026 | Thomas Peeters

Posted on 08/31/2026 6:35:02 AM PDT by WhiteHatBobby0701

Four-time Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen is returning to his racing roots this September, as he attempts to chase down 100 drivers in a go-kart race at Silverstone in England.

The Max vs 100 challenge is set to become the world’s biggest go-kart race and will be broadcast live on September 16 around the world on Disney+ and the ESPN App.

What is Max vs 100?

At one time or another, plenty of motorsport fans have probably asked themselves this question: could you beat a racing legend if the odds were stacked in your favour? That's what Max vs 100 is all about.

The concept puts one of the world's best racing drivers in an unfamiliar position. Rather than fighting a handful of competitors at the front, Verstappen will have 100 drivers between himself and the finish line.

Who are the other drivers in Max vs 100?

Notable names among the field to challenge Verstappen include ultrarunner Arda Saatçi, basketball shooting specialist Chris "Lethal Shooter" Matthews and freestyle mountain biker Matt Jones. Streamers TheGrefg, Caedrel and TheDonato will also get behind the wheel, alongside content creators, personalities and everyday fans from around the world.

Verstappen has spent the past decade battling some of the fastest drivers on the planet – more often than not coming out on top – but carving his way through a field this big presents an entirely different test.

What do we know about the track for the Max vs 100 challenge?

Silverstone might be a track that's synonymous with Formula One, but this time it will be transformed for a very different kind of race. The circuit has been purpose-built for the occasion by Race Director and French racing driver David Terrien - a renowned kart designer and youth karting world champion. “Creating a track for 101 drivers at the same time has never been done, never been seen,” says Terrien. “So it's very exciting.”

With so many karts on track, outright pace won't be the only factor. Finding space, judging when to make a move and navigating traffic will all play a part as Verstappen tries to climb from 101st towards the front.

Ahead of race day, the layout was given a shakedown by Terrien and test driver Sebastian Job. “I think to overtake 100 cars is going to be extremely difficult,” says Job, two-time iRacing World Champion and Professional sim racer for Oracle Red Bull Racing. “Today we did it with 50, and even that was a challenge to do it in the allotted time. He’s got his work cut out for him big time.”

Verstappen on returning to go-karting

For Verstappen, the event marks a return to his roots in the discipline where his racing career started – he first drove a go-kart at the age of four and by the age of seven he was already competing in championships. Quite simply, karting was the training ground where he developed the instincts and craft that shaped his career.

“In go-karts you learn all the basics: starts, defending, overtaking,” Verstappen said. “Of course, I spent a long period of my life go-karting, so it's always nice to return.”

He expects the instincts to come back quickly. “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."

Now, more than a decade after stepping up from karts to Formula One cars, Max vs 100 takes him back to those roots – only this time, the challenge isn't about beating one rival. It's about getting past 100 of them. Asked what he was most looking forward to, Verstappen's answer was simple. “Just seeing the carnage unfold in front of me.”

How to watch Max vs 100

Max vs 100 takes place at Silverstone on September 16 and while no spectators will be allowed on site, fans can follow the action live on Disney+ and the ESPN App. Max vs 100 will also air live on the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited subscribers in the U.S. before a delayed ESPN2 broadcast later that day.

In a unique twist, Verstappen will be able to communicate directly with his competitors during the race, offering fans an unparalleled insight into the conversations that help shape the race as they happen. Tune in to find out whether they can hold him off – or whether the F1 legend can catch them all.


TOPICS: Sports; TV/Movies
KEYWORDS: f1; karting; verstappen
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So Verstappen is doing a September 16 show on Disney+ (reairs in the US on ESPN2 as a statement that we haven't forgotten F1 when viewership is down thanks to Apple).

No spectators allowed for Max vs 100 influencers.

It's much different than a 105-car field at the Knoxville Nationals or Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic with 25,000 fans at a dirt race. Heat races to eliminate the slowest. Then a 30 (preliminary) or 50 (feature) lap feature at the end.

ESPN wants this to tell America what Apple took from them

1 posted on 08/31/2026 6:35:02 AM PDT by WhiteHatBobby0701
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To: WhiteHatBobby0701

NO SPECTATORS????

LOSING $$$


2 posted on 08/31/2026 6:45:30 AM PDT by ridesthemiles (not giving up on TRUMP---EVER)
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To: ridesthemiles

It’s Made for Television. They don’t care about having a live gate. It’s why Clyburn’s daughter got the NFL to ban its blackout rule.

Red Bull doesn’t want a live gate.


3 posted on 08/31/2026 6:51:36 AM PDT by WhiteHatBobby0701
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To: WhiteHatBobby0701

Thanks WHR for this.


4 posted on 08/31/2026 6:53:38 AM PDT by BBB333
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To: WhiteHatBobby0701

Max Has a Bullseye on his Back an a 100 yahoo Rookies.
.
What could go wrong?


5 posted on 08/31/2026 7:00:56 AM PDT by Big Red Badger (Good SCIENCE is Not Faith BUT Curiosity. )
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To: WhiteHatBobby0701

I can’t think of anything on wheels that’s more fun than a go-cart. I’ve had three. And survived.


6 posted on 08/31/2026 7:52:10 AM PDT by ComputerGuy
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To: WhiteHatBobby0701

If you’re not first your last.


7 posted on 08/31/2026 7:57:15 AM PDT by DannyTN
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To: WhiteHatBobby0701

I watched F1 when it was on ESPN. Now it has its own channel. I refuse to pay for yet another channel feed.


8 posted on 08/31/2026 7:57:48 AM PDT by RetiredArmy (The Bible speaks truth! Don't believe it, you do so at your own peril. You'd better be right!!)
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To: RetiredArmy

Yes, but it’s on a big TV broadcasting network!!! You simply MUST watch it. Don’t forget to support the sponsors either.


9 posted on 08/31/2026 8:22:35 AM PDT by Getready (Wisdom is more valuable than gold and harder to find.)
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To: RetiredArmy
I watched F1 when it was on ESPN. Now it has its own channel. I refuse to pay for yet another channel feed.

Apple TV has the F1 US contract through 2030. I like F1 but I am not going to pay more to view it. Highlights are available on Youtube..

10 posted on 08/31/2026 8:46:51 AM PDT by EVO X ( )
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To: WhiteHatBobby0701

I can imagine Max driving some 14 year old kid into the gravel and laughing like a crazy Hanna Barbera Bad Guy as he drives by!


11 posted on 08/31/2026 9:11:51 AM PDT by Vermont Lt
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To: Getready

Sorry, dude, ain’t buying it. Simply ain’t gonna happen!!


12 posted on 08/31/2026 2:01:02 PM PDT by RetiredArmy (The Bible speaks truth! Don't believe it, you do so at your own peril. You'd better be right!!)
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To: WhiteHatBobby0701

Mario?


13 posted on 08/31/2026 4:02:43 PM PDT by TonyM (Score Event)
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To: TonyM

Nope. Ask when any number of NASCAR, INDYCAR, IMSA, or any other major series driver in January races 380 midget car drivers in a meeting where there is no qualifying, you start in your heat, you have to finish well to get in the A, and when you’re in the A you must finish first or second just to make the end of week A Main, then it’s a show. The Chili Bowl format makes these gimmick “superstar start shotgun against 50-100 influencers” look lame.

Give me the Chili Bowl over Max vs 100.


14 posted on 09/01/2026 6:08:54 AM PDT by WhiteHatBobby0701
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To: Big Red Badger

Red Bull has currently listed 84 drivers — influencers and some Red Bull athletes.

Zac Alsop – YouTuber
Tyrique Hyde – Streamer
Queen B (Rebecca Evans) – Motorsport creator and presenter
Pieface23 (Jack McDermott) – Content creator
TGFBro (Romell Henry) – YouTube content creator
Manny (Emmanuel David Brown) – YouTuber
Dantic (Daniel Moss) – Content creator and YouTuber
Amber Gill – Television personality
Stungpegg (Nieve Petruzziello) – Sports presenter and content creator
Bash The Entertainer (Bachala Mbunzama) – Content creator and comedian
Developer Adam (Adam Powell) – Content creator
Kalia Lai – Content creator and athlete
James Doyle – Content creator
Drift Games (David Egan) – Creator and drift driver
GoKartGod – Electric kart manufacturer
Larry Chen – Automotive photographer
Neo Yau (Yau Hawk Sau) – Actor and content creator
Mike Dokas – TikTok creator
AustrianKiwi (Jonathan Balchin) – Comedian
Nathan Lust – Content creator
Tettrem (Mateus dos Santos Machado Almeida) – Content creator and streamer
Mars (Zhang Jing) – Extreme sports creator
Pamkutya (Norbert Osbáth) – Content creator
Roberts Vītols – Content creator
Paky TWC (Patrick Tremolada) – YouTuber
Enis Kirazoğlu – Content creator
Karol Zdęba – YouTuber
Vale Sulca – Content creator
German Rodezel – Content creator
Pableke (Pablo Jimenez) – Content creator
Josh Richards – Creator and entrepreneur
Si Hyun Park – Red Bull Professional drift driver
John-Marc van Wyk – Content creator
Dyler – Artist and content creator
Nnnurdaylet – Content creator
Julia Haller – Content creator
Wirtual (Øyvind Ludwig Iversen) – Content creator
Daniel Ahola – Content creator
Gabs Djay – Motorsport content creator
Joe Tasker – Content creator and television presenter
Bella James – Content creator
Juank Perez – Content creator
Fresia Aria – Football reporter
Nate Saunders – F1 reporter
Jakidale (Jacopo D’Alesio) – YouTuber and content creator
Sporttouchen (Timothé Rangström) – Content creator
Bea Eguiraun – Motorsport presenter and test rider
TheGrefg – Streamer and content creator
Caedrel (Marc Lamont) – Streamer
TheDonato (Donato José Muñoz Calabres) – Streamer and content creator
Helydia (Celia Tansel) – Streamer and content creator
Diogo ‘MoveMind’ da Silva – Streamer and content creator
Jonathan Amaral – Red Bull Professional Esports player
RDJavi (Steven Javier Santos del Rosario) – Streamer
TechnoGamerz (Ujjwal Chaurasia) – Gaming content creator
Amar (Amar Al-Naimi) – Streamer and entertainer
Nugato (Ilija Ravlić) – Streamer
iiTzTimmy (Timothy An) – Streamer and professional gamer
Qucee (Quentin Correia) – Streamer and YouTuber
Leticia Bufoni – Red Bull Professional skateboarder
Sarah Lezito (Sarah Vignot) – Red Bull Stunt rider
Arda Saatçi – Red Bull Ultra athlete
Lethal Shooter (Chris Matthews) – NBA shooting coach
Janja Garnbret – Red Bull Professional climber
Leo Neugebauer – Red Bull Decathlon world champion
Molly Carlson – Red Bull Professional cliff diver
Matt Jones – Red Bull Mountain bike athlete
Billy Bolt – Red Bull Motorcycle racer
Aidan Heslop – Red Bull professional cliff diver
Pol Tarrés – Red Bull Enduro rider
Tommo McCluskey – Motorsport content creator and presenter
Taylor Serage – Content creator
Joseph Brophy – Sports journalist
Supercar Blondie (Niklaus Manuel Hirschi) – Automotive media CEO
Shreeman Legend (Siddhant Praveen Joshi) – Streamer and YouTuber
Shredded Fox (Jan Liška) – YouTuber and fitness influencer
Molly Marsh – Influencer and television personality
Mélanie Buffetaud – Content creator and parkour athlete
Jojo Sim – Content creator
MrCarSounds (Greg Gevojanyan) – Content creator
ExtraEmily (Emily Xuechun Zhang) – Streamer
Henry Robert Williams – Sports journalist
Charles Poujade – Parkour athlete and content creator
Austin Sprinz – Content creator


15 posted on 09/15/2026 7:23:37 AM PDT by WhiteHatBobby0701
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To: Big Red Badger

Red Bull has currently listed 84 drivers — influencers and some Red Bull athletes.

30 laps, riders can use joker laps. Max can use the joker lap only starting on Lap 16. Joker lap can only be used once.

Zac Alsop – YouTuber
Tyrique Hyde – Streamer
Queen B (Rebecca Evans) – Motorsport creator and presenter
Pieface23 (Jack McDermott) – Content creator
TGFBro (Romell Henry) – YouTube content creator
Manny (Emmanuel David Brown) – YouTuber
Dantic (Daniel Moss) – Content creator and YouTuber
Amber Gill – Television personality
Stungpegg (Nieve Petruzziello) – Sports presenter and content creator
Bash The Entertainer (Bachala Mbunzama) – Content creator and comedian
Developer Adam (Adam Powell) – Content creator
Kalia Lai – Content creator and athlete
James Doyle – Content creator
Drift Games (David Egan) – Creator and drift driver
GoKartGod – Electric kart manufacturer
Larry Chen – Automotive photographer
Neo Yau (Yau Hawk Sau) – Actor and content creator
Mike Dokas – TikTok creator
AustrianKiwi (Jonathan Balchin) – Comedian
Nathan Lust – Content creator
Tettrem (Mateus dos Santos Machado Almeida) – Content creator and streamer
Mars (Zhang Jing) – Extreme sports creator
Pamkutya (Norbert Osbáth) – Content creator
Roberts Vītols – Content creator
Paky TWC (Patrick Tremolada) – YouTuber
Enis Kirazoğlu – Content creator
Karol Zdęba – YouTuber
Vale Sulca – Content creator
German Rodezel – Content creator
Pableke (Pablo Jimenez) – Content creator
Josh Richards – Creator and entrepreneur
Si Hyun Park – Red Bull Professional drift driver
John-Marc van Wyk – Content creator
Dyler – Artist and content creator
Nnnurdaylet – Content creator
Julia Haller – Content creator
Wirtual (Øyvind Ludwig Iversen) – Content creator
Daniel Ahola – Content creator
Gabs Djay – Motorsport content creator
Joe Tasker – Content creator and television presenter
Bella James – Content creator
Juank Perez – Content creator
Fresia Aria – Football reporter
Nate Saunders – F1 reporter
Jakidale (Jacopo D’Alesio) – YouTuber and content creator
Sporttouchen (Timothé Rangström) – Content creator
Bea Eguiraun – Motorsport presenter and test rider
TheGrefg – Streamer and content creator
Caedrel (Marc Lamont) – Streamer
TheDonato (Donato José Muñoz Calabres) – Streamer and content creator
Helydia (Celia Tansel) – Streamer and content creator
Diogo ‘MoveMind’ da Silva – Streamer and content creator
Jonathan Amaral – Red Bull Professional Esports player
RDJavi (Steven Javier Santos del Rosario) – Streamer
TechnoGamerz (Ujjwal Chaurasia) – Gaming content creator
Amar (Amar Al-Naimi) – Streamer and entertainer
Nugato (Ilija Ravlić) – Streamer
iiTzTimmy (Timothy An) – Streamer and professional gamer
Qucee (Quentin Correia) – Streamer and YouTuber
Leticia Bufoni – Red Bull Professional skateboarder
Sarah Lezito (Sarah Vignot) – Red Bull Stunt rider
Arda Saatçi – Red Bull Ultra athlete
Lethal Shooter (Chris Matthews) – NBA shooting coach
Janja Garnbret – Red Bull Professional climber
Leo Neugebauer – Red Bull Decathlon world champion
Molly Carlson – Red Bull Professional cliff diver
Matt Jones – Red Bull Mountain bike athlete
Billy Bolt – Red Bull Motorcycle racer
Aidan Heslop – Red Bull professional cliff diver
Pol Tarrés – Red Bull Enduro rider
Tommo McCluskey – Motorsport content creator and presenter
Taylor Serage – Content creator
Joseph Brophy – Sports journalist
Supercar Blondie (Niklaus Manuel Hirschi) – Automotive media CEO
Shreeman Legend (Siddhant Praveen Joshi) – Streamer and YouTuber
Shredded Fox (Jan Liška) – YouTuber and fitness influencer
Molly Marsh – Influencer and television personality
Mélanie Buffetaud – Content creator and parkour athlete
Jojo Sim – Content creator
MrCarSounds (Greg Gevojanyan) – Content creator
ExtraEmily (Emily Xuechun Zhang) – Streamer
Henry Robert Williams – Sports journalist
Charles Poujade – Parkour athlete and content creator
Austin Sprinz – Content creator


16 posted on 09/15/2026 7:24:11 AM PDT by WhiteHatBobby0701
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To: WhiteHatBobby0701

Gentlemen!
.
Start Your CHAINSAWS !


17 posted on 09/15/2026 8:07:37 AM PDT by Big Red Badger (Good SCIENCE is Not Faith BUT Curiosity. )
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To: Big Red Badger

Earlier this year, 87-Oliver Bearman had a challenge against 50 karters. He passed 46 but four survived the clock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqKqlBGwozo


18 posted on 09/15/2026 10:51:48 AM PDT by WhiteHatBobby0701
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To: WhiteHatBobby0701

An IROC Race of Carts would be
More Legitimate!
.
Max grew up in a Cart like Tony Stewart
Who’s one of my Favs despite his controversy.
.
Winged Sprints —Ha That’s Entertainment !
.
Good Luck Max !
He’s my Goto F1 Driver.


19 posted on 09/15/2026 12:44:18 PM PDT by Big Red Badger (Good SCIENCE is Not Faith BUT Curiosity. )
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To: Big Red Badger

Trackhouse Motorplex. Equally prepared karts. All spec. See who is the best.


20 posted on 09/15/2026 12:57:24 PM PDT by WhiteHatBobby0701
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