Max Verstappen proved his class once again, not on an F1 track but in a unique go-kart race called 'Max vs 100' held on a specially designed temporary circuit. Starting from the very back with 100 opponents ahead, the Red Bull driver conquered the challenge in just 35 minutes.
The race was scheduled for 30 laps or 75 minutes, with an unusual rule: each opponent's kart was eliminated the moment Verstappen drew level with their front end. Verstappen didn't need 30 laps, completing the task in just 14 laps.
“When I went to the grid and I saw where I had to start, with 100 karts in front of me, I was a little bit worried,” Verstappen said. “After my first lap, with all the carnage, I did think 'Okay, we have got this under control!'”
He added, “It started to become really fun and once I started getting into a rhythm, was able to overtake them one-by-one and saw the gap closing, that was really exciting. It was great to just be back in a go-kart again and go back to basics, it reminded me of racing back in the day.”
This race was not just about speed but also a test of racing vision. Track designer and race director David Terrien was blown away by Verstappen's professional approach. “Going through the traffic of such a big field, no one has done it. Even Max was questioning himself just before the start, how he could go through the traffic. But when you look at the replay, he picked the right spots. Every time there was a gap, he went for it. I think that's what makes the difference with Max – his starts, and his reaction time. Even if it's a fun race, he showed his skills in all aspects.”
Terrien added, “I was talking to Max's race engineer and we were looking at the replay of the start. And he sees something we don't see. He sees a gap that's going to open and it's not open yet. I think that's a race vision, that's something he has that most of the drivers don't have.”
To add to the hilarity of the challenge, each kart was fitted with on-board cameras and microphones, allowing viewers a unique insight into the race, including Verstappen's exchanges with his competition. The full event can be viewed around the world on Disney+ thanks to its partnership with ESPN.
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Max Verstappen wins the Max vs 100 challenge at Silverstone, overtaking 100 karters in 14 laps. Read about the action and his comments.
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