Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen is set to compete against 100 go-karters in a specially created, made-for-television event dubbed "Max vs 100." The event will take place on a purpose-built karting track at Silverstone, the venue for the British Grand Prix, and will be broadcast on ESPN and streamed on Disney+.
Verstappen, a four-time champion for Red Bull, began his racing career in go-karts. "In go-karts you learn all the basics: starts, defending, overtaking," Verstappen stated in a press release. "Of course, I spent a long period of my life go-karting, so it's always nice to return. 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."
The nature of the competition, which pits an elite professional driver against a large field of amateur racers, raises questions about how aggressively the karters will defend their positions. While making it difficult for a driver of Verstappen's caliber could be a notable achievement for the participants, there is also a risk of incidents, such as moving under braking or not leaving adequate space through corners, which could lead to crashes.
While the event does not carry the high-risk danger of stunts like those performed by Evel Knievel, it is expected to showcase Verstappen's driving skills in a unique setting. The article notes that the primary question is not whether Verstappen can overtake the 100 go-karters, but rather how long it will take him to do so.