Top News

Max Verstappen is having a packed week. First, he committed to remain with Red Bull Racing through the 2030 season; then, just a few days later, he crashed out of his home grand prix on the opening lap. Next on the agenda is perhaps the most unusual development of all: confirmation that he will line up for a 1-vs-100 go-kart race against one of the oddest entry lists ever put together for a race.

As part of a made-for-TV special, Verstappen will race 100 karters at Silverstone on September 16th. The live event, titled “Max Vs. 100,” will see him go up against a field made up of athletes, celebrities, and fans.

That said, calling them “celebrities” may be a bit generous. Among the Red Bull-backed athletes taking part are ultrarunner Arda Saatçi and basketball influencer-cum-shooting coach Chris “LethalShooter” Matthews. Red Bull also noted that several of the other participants, including those known by the handles “TheGrefg,” “Caedrel,” and “TheDonato,” are streamers whose work is likewise sponsored by the energy drink brand.

Verstappen is due to race those names, along with 95 others, on a custom-built track created at Silverstone specifically for the event. Red Bull-supported sim racer Sebastian Job said in a release that he has already tried the format in a 50-kart race, and “even that was a challenge to do it in the allotted time.” The four-time world champion will have to beat twice that number, plus one. Then again, he is a four-time world champion.

The event will be streamed live on Disney+ and the ESPN app on September 16th, with British comedian Mo Gilligan serving as host. Viewers in the United States who are only mildly interested in karting battle royales will also be able to watch the same event on tape delay on ESPN2 later that day.