From Ars Technica · · 2m
Max Verstappen races 100 karters at once
The four-time F1 world champion faces content creators and Red Bull athletes in identical karts at Silverstone.
In brief
The four-time F1 world champion faces content creators and Red Bull athletes in identical karts at Silverstone. Verstappen must pass all 100 competitors within 30 laps, starting from last place, with everyone in identical equipment. Originally reported by Ars Technica.
Verstappen takes on 100 karters
The four-time F1 world champion races 100 content creators and Red Bull athletes in identical karts at Silverstone today. He starts last and must pass everyone within 30 laps.
Once passed, you're out
All 100 competitors start ahead of Verstappen on a purpose-designed layout. When he overtakes another karter, that driver is eliminated from the race.
Bigger than previous attempts
Alex Albon raced 25 kids last year and Oliver Bearman faced 50 amateurs last month. Neither is as high-profile as Verstappen or facing this much competition.
Verstappen races everything with wheels
His F1 contract allows him to compete in other races like the Nürburgring 24 hours in GT3 cars. He's a serial winner who won't show up just to lose.
“If it has wheels and they keep score, odds are good Verstappen's down to race it.”
Karting is a first love
Even Ayrton Senna said his happiest racing memories were karting against Terry Fullerton. It's where F1 drivers hone their skills and maintain a real connection.
Practice run showed the challenge
Arvid Lindblad, who debuted in F1 this season with Racing Bulls, tried to beat 50 competitors yesterday. Starting from 51st, he passed all but one.
“The drivers were trying hard, and that was really cool to see.”
Completely identical equipment
All 101 karts are ballasted to the same weight for a level playing field. Verstappen insisted on no advantages for anyone, wanting to win by right.
“Max and Red Bull wanted it to feel to be a legitimate racing challenge because he wants to win by right.”
Teamwork could stop him
If the 100 karters go line astern or side by side, Verstappen will have to get creative. His ability to handle the challenge depends on their coordination.
He can talk to everyone
Verstappen will be able to communicate with all other competitors during the race. He might use this to psych them out or reveal his thought process.
Watch it live today
Max vs 100 airs live on Disney+ and ESPN at noon Eastern Time, 5 pm BST on September 16.
The headline
Verstappen must pass all 100 competitors within 30 laps, starting from last place, with everyone in identical equipment.
