DUBAI: Max Verstappen’s appetite for racing outside Formula 1 has again come into focus after the four-time world champion won Red Bull’s unusual “Max vs 100” karting challenge at Silverstone.
Verstappen started the event from the back of a 101-kart field and was tasked with overtaking 100 competitors within 30 laps or 75 minutes. He completed the challenge in just 14 laps, taking 35 minutes to reach the front. The event included Red Bull athletes, content creators and other participants rather than a conventional professional racing field.
After eliminating the final kart, Verstappen jokingly described the victory as his first win of the year. The result provided a very different racing experience from the pressure of his regular F1 campaign.
Verstappen’s F1 season has been more difficult
The Dutch driver remains sixth in the 2026 F1 drivers’ championship after 14 Grands Prix, with 145 points and no race victories. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli has 292 points for Mercedes, while Verstappen’s Red Bull team has yet to match Mercedes’ consistency across the season.
Verstappen has nevertheless finished on the podium in the last two Grands Prix. He was third at Monza on September 6 before finishing second behind Antonelli at the inaugural Madrid race on September 13.
His results underline the contrast between his F1 campaign and the freedom he has found in other forms of motorsport.
Verstappen has long been interested in racing beyond Formula 1. In 2025, he began competing on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in GT machinery, eventually winning a Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie race in a Ferrari 296 GT3 with Chris Lulham.
Nürburgring remains a major attraction
That interest expanded in 2026 when Verstappen competed in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Verstappen Racing and Winward Racing.
He also made his Nürburgring 24 Hours debut in May, sharing the Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Jules Gounon, Daniel Juncadella and Lucas Auer. The car was in contention before a reliability problem ended the team’s challenge. Verstappen subsequently indicated that he wanted to return if his F1 schedule allowed it.
The attraction is not simply the machinery. Verstappen has spoken about enjoying the competitive nature of endurance racing, sharing a car with teammates and the challenge of the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
His official racing programme has also described the Nordschleife as a special experience and highlighted his interest in gaining more experience in GT3 machinery.
2027 calendar creates more room for endurance racing
The FIA’s newly announced 2027 F1 calendar could make it easier for Verstappen to pursue those ambitions.
The 2027 championship will contain 24 Grands Prix and 10 Sprint events. Importantly for Verstappen’s wider racing plans, the Nürburgring 24 Hours is scheduled for May 27-30, between the Canadian and Monaco Grands Prix. The Spa 24 Hours is scheduled for June 24-27, between the Portuguese and British Grands Prix.
That scheduling creates weekends without an F1 race around both endurance events. Whether Verstappen participates will still depend on his commitments and the final arrangements for his racing programme.
For now, his Silverstone karting appearance offered another reminder that Verstappen’s interest in motorsport extends well beyond the F1 championship.
The 28-year-old remains committed to Red Bull Racing, with his current contract extending through 2030. His non-F1 activities, however, give him another competitive outlet — from GT3 endurance racing at the Nürburgring to unconventional karting events such as Wednesday’s Silverstone challenge.
Why is Max Verstappen racing outside Formula 1?
Verstappen has a longstanding interest in other forms of motorsport, particularly endurance and GT racing. He has described racing outside F1 as a hobby and has pursued events at the Nürburgring.
What did Max Verstappen win at Silverstone?
He won the “Max vs 100” karting challenge on September 16, 2026, overtaking 100 competitors after starting at the back of the field.
How many karts did Verstappen overtake at Silverstone?
He overtook 100 competitors and completed the challenge in 14 laps, taking about 35 minutes.
Did Max Verstappen race at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2026?
Yes. He made his Nürburgring 24 Hours debut in May 2026 in a Mercedes-AMG GT3. His team was forced out of contention by a reliability problem.
Will Verstappen race at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2027?
A return is possible, but participation depends on his schedule. The 2027 race is scheduled for May 27-30, between the Canadian and Monaco Grands Prix.
Can Verstappen race in the Spa 24 Hours in 2027?
The 2027 Spa 24 Hours falls between F1 race weekends, creating a possible opportunity. His participation has not been confirmed.
Where does Verstappen currently stand in the 2026 F1 championship?
After the Spanish Grand Prix, he is sixth with 145 points. Kimi Antonelli leads with 292 points.
