Verstappen to take on 100 go-kart drivers live on ESPN

Max Verstappen will take on the challenge of starting at the back of the field against 100 go-kart drivers and trying to overtake them all, in a live event to be broadcast on ESPN on Disney+.

The challenge - dubbed ‘Max vs 100’ - will take place on a purpose-built circuit at the home of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on September 16. The field will be made up of a mix of Red Bull athletes, gaming talent, social media personalities and other surprise guests, all looking to hold four-time Formula 1 world champion Verstappen off as he fights back through the huge field.

“In go-karts you learn all the basics: starts, defending, overtaking,” Verstappen said. “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.”

Taking place between the grands prix in Madrid and Baku, the event will be broadcast live globally, and Verstappen will able to communicate with his competitors during the race.

“The moment we heard the idea for 'Max vs 100', we knew it was something really special,” Sean Doyle, VP of Unscripted content at Disney+ EMEA said. “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.”

As well as the Disney+ coverage, the challenge will stream live on the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited subscribers in the U.S. and air on ESPN2 on delay later on September 16.