Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen started behind a field of 100 drivers before eliminating every challenger in just 14 laps.
Max Verstappen has delivered another remarkable demonstration of his racing ability by taking on 100 go-kart drivers—and passing every one of them.
The Red Bull athlete started from 101st position during the specially created Max vs 100 event at Silverstone, billed by organisers as the largest go-kart race ever staged.
Despite facing an enormous grid of professional athletes, creators, journalists, motorsport personalities and fans, Verstappen completed the challenge in approximately 35 minutes.
More than half the field eliminated on the opening lap
The unusual race used a knockout format rather than conventional finishing positions.
A challenger was eliminated as soon as the rear of Verstappen’s kart drew level with the front of theirs. It meant every encounter became a direct battle to stay ahead of the Formula 1 champion for as long as possible.
Verstappen began cautiously, faced with the chaotic sight of 100 karts racing ahead of him on the temporary Silverstone circuit. That concern quickly disappeared once the action started.
Within two minutes, he had climbed to 37th place. An incredible 63 competitors were eliminated before completing the opening lap.
As Verstappen settled into his rhythm, he continued cutting through the field at an average rate of one driver every 21 seconds.
The final challengers
A small group initially looked capable of extending the contest.
Pole-sitter Jacky Martens joined YouTube creator Zac Alsop and Red Bull Ford Powertrains technician Lewis Osler in establishing a lead of approximately 12 seconds.
However, Verstappen began taking around three seconds per lap out of their advantage.
He eventually dispatched Alsop and Osler during the same corner before catching Martens, completing the challenge on lap 14 of the scheduled 30.
Martens secured second place, with Osler finishing third. Alsop placed fourth, while off-road motorcycle competitor Pol Tarrés completed the top five.
Verstappen sets the fastest lap
Unsurprisingly, Verstappen also recorded the quickest lap of the event.
His time of 2 minutes 20.673 seconds was more than 2.6 seconds faster than Martens’ best effort of 2 minutes 23.327 seconds.
Reflecting on the challenge, Verstappen admitted that seeing 100 karts lined up ahead of him initially made him question how difficult the task might be.
Once he survived the opening-lap disorder and began closing the gap, the Dutch driver said he became increasingly confident and enjoyed working his way through the field one competitor at a time.
The performance once again highlighted the natural racecraft that has helped Verstappen win four Formula 1 world championships.
Where can Max vs 100 be watched?
Hosted by BAFTA-winning comedian Mo Gilligan, Red Bull’s Max vs 100 was streamed live on Disney+ and the ESPN App.
The complete event is available to watch again globally through Disney+. It is also available through the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited subscribers in the United States, alongside a scheduled ESPN2 broadcast.
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