Back to the beginning

Max Verstappen is going back to where racing started — go-karting — and is betting on himself to beat 100 racers next month in a unique challenge. The four-time Formula 1 champion will start at the back of a 101-driver field in the Red Bull Max vs. 100 event at Silverstone on Sept. 16, in what is expected to be the biggest go-kart race in the world.

The four-time consecutive drivers' champion from 2021 to 2024 began karting at age four, and it became a stomping ground for his career. He was competing in championships by the time he reached age seven, and despite being away from karting for over a decade, he expects to "naturally" get back into it.

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

A field of characters

The race will feature an eclectic grid, including ultra runner Arda Saatci, basketball shooting coach Chris "Lethal Shooter" Matthews and freestyle mountain biker Matt Jones. Streamers TheGrefg, Caedrel and TheDonato will also race, alongside content creators and personalities from around the world.

Silverstone, the home of the British Grand Prix and a track renowned for F1 racing, will be transformed for the occasion. Former racing driver and karting world champion David Terrien is redesigning a special course for the race. With so many karts on the track, Verstappen will have to consider space, pace and planning when making his move toward the front.

How to watch

The event will air live on Disney+ and the ESPN app before a delayed broadcast on ESPN2 later that day. The broadcast will feature live race data, game-inspired graphics and drone footage. Verstappen will also be able to communicate directly with the competition during the race, giving viewers a unique perspective.