Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen revealed he felt “a little bit worried” before the kickoff of Red Bull’s unique Max vs 100 go-kart race at Silverstone. The event, held Wednesday evening at the British Grand Prix’s home circuit, featured Verstappen competing against 100 amateur drivers, including content creators, Red Bull athletes, and fans.
Starting last in 101st position, Verstappen made a remarkable charge, overtaking 64 karts during a chaotic first lap that saw multiple crashes and spins, leading to a full course yellow. Although the race was scheduled for 30 laps or 75 minutes, the 28-year-old Dutchman completed the feat in just 14 laps and 35 minutes, ultimately passing his final rival—F1 journalist and compatriot Jacky Martens.
After the race, Verstappen admitted that seeing the large number of competitors ahead gave him some doubt about winning. “When I went to the grid and saw 100 karts in front of me, I was a bit worried,” he said. However, after navigating the race’s initial chaos, he felt confident, enjoying the rhythm of overtaking one by one and closing the gap, which made the competition exciting. He also expressed how refreshing it was to return to go-karting, calling Silverstone “a beautiful and well-designed track” and appreciating the data communication via radio during the race. “It was a fantastic day, and winning made it all the better!” Verstappen concluded enthusiastically.
Track designer and race director David Terrien also commented on the unprecedented scale of the race, noting that no kart event had ever featured so many participants. Terrien praised Verstappen’s ability to pick the right moments to pass through traffic, highlighting his quick reactions and exceptional start. “Max has an extraordinary race vision,” Terrien explained, “he sees gaps before they appear, something most drivers don’t possess.” This instinctive skill made a significant difference, even in a fun, exhibition setting.
Fan Take: This thrilling event highlights Verstappen’s extraordinary talent beyond the F1 grid, reminding racing fans why he’s a dominant force. Showcasing such skill in a massive, chaotic kart race not only entertains but also underscores the precision and quick thinking that continue to evolve the sport.
Source: www.crash.net
