Just In: ‘Max vs 100’: Start time and how to watch live as Verstappen takes on epic…Read more

Just In: ‘Max vs 100’: Start time and how to watch live as Verstappen takes on epic Silverstone challenge

Max Verstappen is preparing for one of the most unusual challenges of his racing career as the four-time Formula 1 world champion returns to his karting roots for the spectacular ‘Max vs 100’ event at Silverstone.

The Red Bull star will trade his Formula 1 machinery for a go-kart on Wednesday, September 16, when he takes on 100 opponents in a race designed to test his overtaking ability, racecraft and ability to deal with traffic on an unprecedented scale.

Unlike a conventional Grand Prix, Verstappen will not be fighting for pole position or starting near the front. Instead, he will begin at the back of a 101-kart grid, with the objective of overtaking every one of the 100 competitors during a 30-lap contest.

That format creates a completely different challenge for a driver who has built a reputation in Formula 1 for his aggressive but highly calculated approach to overtaking. Verstappen will have to find his way through a huge pack of rivals while avoiding incidents and ensuring that the drivers ahead do not escape beyond his reach.

The event is being staged on a specially designed karting circuit at Silverstone, one of the most famous venues in motorsport. The layout has been created specifically to accommodate the enormous field, with 101 karts expected to take to the track simultaneously.

The competitors will come from a wide variety of backgrounds. The field includes athletes, streamers, content creators, Red Bull personalities and fans, giving Verstappen a very different group of opponents from those he normally encounters in Formula 1. Several notable names have already been confirmed, including ultrarunner Arda Saatçi, basketball shooting specialist Chris Matthews and freestyle mountain biker Matt Jones, alongside streamers such as TheGrefg, Caedrel and TheDonato.

For Verstappen, however, the event represents more than a publicity spectacle. Karting played a major role in his development as a racing driver, with the Dutchman beginning his karting career as a young child before eventually progressing through the junior categories and reaching Formula 1.

Verstappen has admitted that he does not believe he needs extensive preparation for the challenge. Having spent many years racing karts during his formative career, he believes his experience should allow him to quickly adapt to the machinery and focus on learning the characteristics of the circuit and its grip.

Even so, completing the task will be far from straightforward.

The sheer number of competitors means Verstappen will have to make dozens of overtakes while constantly managing traffic. Every second will matter, and any unnecessary delay could make it impossible to reach the front before the chequered flag.

The event will also introduce several unusual elements to the racing experience. The broadcast will feature game-inspired graphics, live data and cinematic drone footage, while Verstappen will be able to communicate directly with competitors during the race. The presentation is being led by triple-BAFTA-winning comedian Mo Gilligan alongside a wider broadcast team.

When does Max vs 100 start?

The live broadcast is scheduled to begin at 5pm UK time on Wednesday, September 16, with the race itself getting underway at 6pm UK time. For viewers in Nigeria, that translates to 5pm for the live coverage and 6pm for the race, as Nigeria and the UK are on the same clock time in September.

Fans will be able to watch the event live on Disney+, with ESPN also providing coverage in selected markets. Disney and ESPN have confirmed that the event will stream globally through the relevant Disney+ offering, although availability can vary depending on location.

With 100 drivers standing between Verstappen and the finish, the Silverstone spectacle promises to be unlike anything normally seen during an F1 season.

The Dutchman has already conquered some of the biggest challenges in Formula 1, but ‘Max vs 100’ will test a different side of his driving ability. Starting from the back and attempting to clear an entire field in just 30 laps leaves very little room for hesitation.

Whether Verstappen can turn the seemingly impossible task into another demonstration of his extraordinary racing talent will be revealed at Silverstone. One thing is certain: with 100 rivals determined to stop him, the four-time world champion is guaranteed to have his work cut out.