Verstappen Wins Chaotic Silverstone Karting Race Against 100 Influencers
Max Verstappen overtook 100 influencers in a turbulent Silverstone karting event, with several minor injuries and off-track moments reported.
By Nadia Hussain · First published 16 Sept 2026
In brief
- Max Verstappen competed in a special karting event at Silverstone, facing 100 participants, many of whom were influencers and content creators.
- He began the race from the very back, starting in 101st position on the grid.
- Verstappen overtook all competitors and won after 14 laps, completing the race in about 35 minutes.
- The event was marked by chaotic incidents, with minor injuries reported among participants and Verstappen briefly leaving the track.
- The race was organized by Red Bull and drew global attention, but no immediate rematches or follow-up events have been announced.
Timeline · 6 moments
Max Verstappen prepares for karting challenge against 100 drivers at Silverstone
L'Équipe ↗Excitement builds as Verstappen lines up last on the grid for unique race
Ars Technica ↗Verstappen overtakes entire field and wins after 14 laps
Fanpage ↗Victory achieved in just 35 minutes, impressing fans and media
Arab News ↗Reports of chaos and injuries during Silverstone kart race
Telegraaf ↗Verstappen leaves track briefly amid race carnage
Daily Mail ↗Update 17 Sept 2026, 11:38 am UTC
New details have emerged about the chaotic nature of the race, with reports of several drivers sustaining minor injuries and Verstappen briefly leaving the track at one point. Coverage also highlights that many of the competitors were influencers and content creators, not just amateur racers.
Update 17 Sept 2026, 3:57 am UTC
New coverage confirms that Verstappen completed the 'Max vs 100' karting event at Silverstone in 35 minutes. The event lasted 14 laps as previously reported, but the duration is now specified.
How it started
The idea behind this karting challenge was to put Max Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 world champion, up against a massive field of 100 other drivers at the Silverstone circuit. The event was organized by Red Bull and billed as "Max vs 100," aiming to showcase Verstappen's skills outside his usual F1 environment.
In the lead-up, anticipation built as fans and commentators speculated about whether Verstappen could actually overtake so many drivers in a short race. The challenge was not just about speed, but also about navigating traffic and dealing with unpredictable situations on track.
How it unfolded
On September 16, 2026, Verstappen lined up at Silverstone for the challenge, starting from the very back in 101st position. According to reports, the field was made up mostly of amateur drivers, but the sheer number created a unique obstacle course for Verstappen.
From the start, Verstappen quickly moved through the pack, overtaking dozens of karts in the opening laps. The race was fast-paced and at times chaotic, with so many karts on track making space tight and overtaking risky.
Despite the crowded conditions, Verstappen displayed the same composure and racecraft that have made him dominant in Formula 1. He avoided incidents and continued making rapid progress through the field.
By the end of just 14 laps, Verstappen had overtaken every single competitor and crossed the finish line first. The entire challenge reportedly took him 35 to 36 minutes to complete.
Where it stands
Verstappen's victory at Silverstone in this special karting event has been widely covered and praised. The event highlighted his adaptability and skill, winning attention from motorsport fans beyond the usual F1 audience.
There are no indications yet of a similar challenge being planned, but Verstappen's performance has sparked discussions about his abilities and the appeal of exhibition events like this.


