Max Verstappen takes on 100 karting rivals in Red Bull live event

Max vs 100, a race involving Max Verstappen and 101 karts, which has been created with Red Bull, will stream live globally on ESPN on Disney+ on 16 September.

The live event will see four-time Formula 1 World Champion and Red Bull athlete Max Verstappen attempt to overtake 100 drivers. 

It will take place at Silverstone and will see 101 karts line up on the grid at once for one of the biggest go-kart races the world has ever seen.

The race brings together Red Bull athletes and gaming talent, social media creators, streamers, media personalities and surprise guests from around the world as they attempt to beat Verstappen.

Comedian Mo Gilligan will lead the live broadcast, with a presenting team providing expert race analysis and commentary throughout the challenge.

Competitors taking part in the race include Red Bull athletes – ultrarunner Arda Saatçi, basketball shooting phenomenon Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews and freestyle mountain biker Matt Jones. There will also be Red Bull streamers TheGrefg, Caedrel and TheDonato, plus content creators, personalities and everyday fans.

The circuit at Silverstone will been purpose-built for the occasion by race director and French racing driver David Terrien, making it possible for 101 karts to race simultaneously for the first time.

ESPN’s coverage promises gaming-inspired graphics and cinematic drone footage. It will be produced by Whisper and integrate live race data and on-screen insights will be displayed on screen ensuring fans can follow every stage of the race.

Verstappen will be able to communicate directly with his competitors during the race, offering fans insight into the conversations that help shape the race as it unfolds.

Verstappen said: “In go-karts you learn all the basics: starts, defending, overtaking. Of course, I spent a long period of my life go-karting, so it’s always nice to return. It’s about understanding the grip of the go-kart. I’ve done so many years in go-karting that you quite naturally get back into things.”

Sean Doyle, vice president, unscripted, Disney+ EMEA, adds: “The moment we heard the idea for Max vs 100, we knew it was something really special. Taking one of the greatest racing drivers in the world and asking him to overtake 100 drivers is the kind of challenge you can’t help but want to see play out. Working with Red Bull, we’ve created a live event that’s ambitious, entertaining and genuinely unpredictable. It’s another exciting step as we continue to expand our live and sports entertainment offering on Disney+, and we can’t wait to bring the excitement of live motorsport to a new generation of fans.”

Mo Gilligan said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be teaming up with Disney on this hugely ambitious project. Max Verstappen, 100 drivers and one massive race – this show is going to be truly spectacular. It’s fast, unpredictable and, above all, a lot of fun. Somehow, I’ve got the best seat in the house, and I can’t wait to take everyone watching on Disney+ along for the ride.”