Max Verstappen began go-karting at age 4 and is poised to return with an added challenge. John Thys / Getty ImagesAug. 25, 2026 3:15 pm EDT Updated 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 F1 champion will start at the back of a 101-driver field in the Red Bull Max vs. 100 event at Silverstone on Sept. 16. The event is expected to be the biggest go-kart race in the world.The race will include 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.
Verstappen, the winner of four consecutive drivers’ titles from 2021 to 2024, began karting at age 4, and it became a stomping ground for his career. He was competing in championships by the time he reached age 7. 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.”Silverstone is the home of the British Grand Prix and is a track known for F1 races. But former racing driver and karting world champion David Terrien is transforming the track and designing 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.The race 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.
