Max Verstappen has beaten 100 amateur drivers in a karting challenge at Silverstone, with Paddock Access co-host Jacky Martens finishing second.
The challenge, named “Max vs 100”, saw Verstappen start from the back of the pack, with 30 laps and 75 minutes to overtake all 100 amateur drivers, made up of a variety of athletes, content creators, streamers, personalities, and journalists.
Silverstone Circuit hosted the event, with an extended karting track constructed to accommodate the large field.
Verstappen dispatched more than half the field on the first lap, with 63 karts making their way into the pit lane – once the Dutch driver passes a kart on track, they are eliminated from the race.
As part of the broadcast, the commentary team could patch into Verstappen’s and other drivers’ radios, letting them chat as they made their way around the circuit.
Speaking to motorsport creator Rebecca Evans on lap three, Verstappen had some encouraging words.
“I’m coming for you,” he said.
Another creator, Zac Alsop, jibed the charging Red Bull driver, suggesting he “better step on it”.
Verstappen quickly rebutted, “Once I get some clean air, I’m coming for you.”
It only took eight laps for him to pass 95 drivers, with a nine-second gap separating him from fellow Dutchman Jack Martens, who led the race.
Martens was passed on track with 44 minutes left on the clock; however, with a “Chucky lap” still in hand (a corner-cut joker), he was allowed to rejoin the top three battle with Verstappen just four seconds behind.
It was all over by lap 13, with 40 minutes left on the clock, Verstappen diving past Red Bull Powertrains technician Lewis Osler, who was then passed by Martens to secure second place.
“That was simply lovely, wasn’t it,” Verstappen said after completing the challenge.
