When you're a four-time Formula 1 world champion like Max Verstappen, the competitive fire never truly dies – even when it comes to go-karting against 100 challengers! The Red Bull superstar's playful query about 'shunting' rivals during an epic Silverstone karting event has sent fans into a frenzy, offering a glimpse into his relentless drive.
Key Points:
- Max Verstappen vs 100 drivers in a unique karting challenge at Silverstone
- The four-time F1 champion jokingly asked Red Bull if he could “shunt” his rivals
- Max vs 100 will stream on Disney+ from 16 September
- The purpose-built track was designed to handle 100 karts racing simultaneously
Verstappen Jokes About “Shunting” His Rivals
The challenge, titled Max vs 100, saw Verstappen start from the back of a purpose-built track at Silverstone, with 100 other drivers ahead of him. His mission was simple: overtake every competitor on the circuit. Speaking during a live stream, Verstappen revealed that he had asked Red Bull whether he was allowed to make contact with the other drivers.
“I actually asked Red Bull because there’s like 100 guys [against me], ‘Am I allowed to shunt them or not?’ And they’re like, ‘No, ideally not.’”
The comment quickly caught the attention of fans, with one Reddit user joking that it was “frowned upon but not prohibited.” Another fan quipped: “We would rather you not, but we know we can't stop you.”
“Max Vs 100” Brings A Unique Challenge
Hosted by British comedian Mo Gilligan, Max vs 100 will be available to stream on Disney+ from 16 September. The event will see Verstappen race against a diverse field featuring content creators, athletes, streamers and grassroots racers. Adding another twist, Verstappen will also be able to communicate live over the radio while competing on the track.
For Verstappen, the challenge represents a return to the discipline where he developed many of his racing instincts. The Red Bull star added that he spent a huge part of his life karting and that returning to a kart immediately brings those instincts back.
“Karting teaches you all the fundamentals: race starts, defending, and overtaking.”
100-kart Circuit Built For Verstappen
The bespoke track was designed by David Terrien, the 1993 Formula A karting world champion, specifically to accommodate the unprecedented challenge. Terrien explained that creating a circuit capable of hosting 100 drivers at the same time had never been done before. With Verstappen starting at the rear of the field, the track will put a major emphasis on his ability to anticipate traffic, plan overtakes and maintain his pace.
According to Terrien, Verstappen will need to manage the heavy traffic carefully while hunting down 100 karts before the leaders can build an advantage. The result could make for one of the most unusual racing challenges the F1 champion has taken on outside Formula 1.
