Disney+ and ESPN today announced “Max vs 100,” a first-of-its-kind motorsport race created with Red Bull, which will stream live globally[1] on ESPN on Disney+ on September 16 as part of customer’s existing subscription. The live event will see four-time Formula 1 World Champion and Red Bull athlete Max Verstappen attempt to overtake 100 drivers. “Max vs 100” will also stream live on the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited subscribers in the U.S. and air on ESPN2 on delay later that day.
Taking place at Silverstone, one of the sport’s most iconic circuits, 101 karts will line up on the grid at once for one of the biggest go-kart races the world has ever seen. The closed race will bring together Red Bull athletes and gaming talent, social media creators, streamers, media personalities and surprise guests from around the world as they attempt to keep the lead on Verstappen, offering a new racing format that blends elite competition with entertainment and innovation.
Triple BAFTA winning British comedian Mo Gilligan will lead the live broadcast, bringing his trademark wit and energy to the event, as part of a wider presenting team who will provide expert race analysis and commentary throughout the challenge.
The event recreates the format that shaped Verstappen’s early career: start at the back, and fight through the field. However, this time the sheer number of competitors makes the outcome anything but certain.
The 100 competitors facing off against Verstappen will come from every corner of sport and culture. Red Bull athletes from wildly different disciplines – ultrarunner Arda Saatçi, basketball shooting phenomenon Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews and freestyle mountain biker Matt Jones – share the grid with Red Bull streamers TheGrefg, Caedrel and TheDonato, plus content creators, personalities and everyday fans invited from around the world. All 100 are there to answer a question every racing fan has asked: could you beat Max Verstappen if the odds were stacked in your favour?
For Verstappen, the challenge is also a return to where it all began. Before the Formula 1 World Championships and the records came karting, where he developed the instincts and race craft that shaped his career.
Max 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, said: “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.”
The circuit at Silverstone has been purpose-built for the occasion by Race Director and French racing driver David Terrien, a renowned kart designer and youth karting world champion, making it possible for 101 karts to race simultaneously for the first time.
The race will deliver a fresh take on motorsport coverage, bringing fans closer to the action with game-inspired graphics and cinematic drone footage. Produced by Whisper, the award‑winning, global production company behind some of the world’s most ambitious sports and entertainment storytelling, the broadcast will integrate live race data and on-screen insights will be displayed on screen ensuring fans can follow every stage of the race as it unfolds. In a unique twist, Verstappen will be able to communicate directly with his competitors during the race, offering fans an unparalleled insight into the conversations that help shape the race as it unfolds.
“Max vs 100” joins ESPN’s growing sports offering on Disney+’s in select markets across Europe, giving customers access to premium live sport, flagship studio shows, original programming and more. The offering spans the UEFA Women’s Champions League across Europe, alongside UEFA men’s club competitions, domestic football, local sports channels and major U.S. sports in selected markets.
“Max vs 100” is a Red Bull Media House production, commissioned by Angela Jain, Head of Content, Disney+ EMEA, and Sean Doyle, VP, Unscripted, Disney+ EMEA. The live event is executive produced by Antonia Howard-Taylor, Disney+ EMEA, Ignacio Leon, Red Bull Executive Producer, Kutlu Baklacioglu, Red Bull Head of Motorsports Network, and Simon Corney, Executive Producer Whisper.
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About Whisper
Whisper is a leading global independent production powerhouse where Entertainment is Everything. Its multi-award-winning premium documentaries division specializes in telling bold, aspirational human stories in partnership with world-class talent on a global scale. As a trusted documentary partner for major global streaming platforms and broadcasters, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney and the BBC, Whisper holds a proven track record of delivering some of the most widely viewed premium unscripted content in the industry. The company’s recent prestige slate includes the critically acclaimed, multi-Emmy and Grierson-nominated features including Sven and Built in Birmingham: Brady & The Blues. Following its return to 100% private ownership, Whisper continues to accelerate its international growth across the UK, EMEA, and North America.