Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has revealed he has done absolutely no preparation for his upcoming 30-lap go-kart challenge against 100 competitors at Silverstone next week. The Red Bull Racing driver will start from the back of the grid and attempt to overtake every participant on the historic circuit.
Verstappen: “I’ll Just Rock Up and Do My Thing”
Speaking to media ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, the Dutchman displayed his trademark relaxed confidence when questioned about the unique event. The field includes athletes, streamers, content creators, personalities, and fans.
“No, I didn’t do anything,” he explained when asked if he has looked up who his competitors would be. “I’ll just rock up and have a good time, to be honest. Let’s see how it goes. But yeah, it’s a lot of people.
“Starting from the back, it’s going to be challenging, but I hope I can catch them all. But we don’t know yet. I don’t even know the format at the moment. So I will just rock up and do my thing.”
F1 Rivals Weigh In on the Spectacle
The challenge has drawn attention from Verstappen’s Formula 1 peers, who offered mixed assessments of his chances during their own press commitments.
Leclerc Urges Caution for Both Sides
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, speaking in Italy, highlighted the potential risks involved with such a large field.
“I mean, 100 is a lot,” the Monegasque driver explained in Italy. “Honestly, the only advice I’ll give is maybe not to crash into Max, because he’s got a season to finish, and for Max to be careful, because I don’t know how professional those drivers are.
“But 100 drivers is quite a lot on a track, so I think it will be fun. But obviously, when you’re racing against one of the best drivers in the world, they’ll probably have a tough time.”
Sainz Predicts Easy Victory Based on Personal Experience
Williams driver Carlos Sainz provided a more mathematical prediction during the Madrid press conference, drawing on his own recent karting experience.
“I did a karting race yesterday with my team. Started 20th because we did reverse grid and I was P1 in five laps. So by my calculations, if there are another 20 times five, in 20 laps Max will be P1 for sure. 15-20 laps, or who knows, depends how much overtaking there is. But he will win it easy.”
The Silverstone event promises to be a unique spectacle, pitting one of motorsport’s greatest current talents against a massive, eclectic grid in identical machinery. With zero preparation and a relaxed mindset, Verstappen appears ready to embrace the chaos.
