Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen overtook 100 go-kart competitors in just 35 minutes during a special televised event at Silverstone, completing the extraordinary challenge well inside the organisers’ limits.
Verstappen, driving from the back of the field, needed only 13 laps to work his way through all 100 competitors during the “Max vs 100” event on Wednesday.
Organisers had allowed him up to 30 laps and 75 minutes to complete the challenge.
The Dutchman made a spectacular start, overtaking more than 60 competitors on the opening lap as several drivers became caught up in the chaotic early stages of the race.
Among those taking part were social-media content creators, celebrities, Red Bull athletes and other competitors.
Dutch Formula One journalist Jacky Martens, who regularly reports on Verstappen’s races, started from pole position and was the final driver Verstappen overtook.
Verstappen described the opening lap as remarkable, explaining that there was considerable activity on the track and that several karts became stuck while he managed to avoid the problems.
The event gave the Red Bull driver an opportunity to return to the karting roots of his motorsport career.
It was also a lighter moment during a difficult Formula One season for the 28-year-old, who has yet to win a Grand Prix this season.
Verstappen finished second at the Spanish Grand Prix on September 13 and was reported by Reuters as sitting sixth in the championship, which has been dominated by Mercedes.
After completing the unusual challenge, Verstappen jokingly described it as his first win of the year.
The event was broadcast globally through ESPN on Disney+, bringing the unusual spectacle to an international audience.
The Silverstone challenge therefore offered Verstappen a chance to showcase his driving ability outside the Formula One championship while reconnecting with the karting discipline that forms an important part of his racing background.
