Max vs 100: How Karting Shaped a Champion

The Foundation of a Champion

When Max Verstappen steps onto that kart track at Silverstone next week, he'll be taking on more than just 100 drivers — he's reliving the very foundation of his career. The four-time F1 champion and current world leader has a unique story to tell about how those early karting years became the blueprint for everything he'd go on to achieve.

"It was a really nice period in my life. All different kinds of conditions, tracks, travels," Max says, recalling his karting journey that spanned from Belgium to Spain and beyond.

From age four until he was 15, Verstappen's world revolved around go-kart tracks across Europe. His father, Jos — a former F1 driver himself — was not just his coach but also mechanic, engineer, and strategist. Together, they lived a life defined by speed, precision, and an almost obsessive dedication to excellence.

Every weekend meant a new destination, another race, another chance to push boundaries. The Verstappens' van wasn't just transportation — it was their base camp for competition. Jos would load Max's kart into the back and drive them across Europe, often logging over 60,000 miles a year at the height of their karting careers.

Building Character Through the Elements

But it wasn't just about racing — it was about enduring. In winter months when most karters packed up early, the Verstappens stayed out on the track. Max would race even when his hands were frozen, warming them on the exhaust pipes, often suffering swollen fingers in the process.

"You could put your gloves on it for a little bit and then take them off and they would be warm," he laughs. "It works really well, but the problem is when you're really cold and you heat them up, your fingers swell up because of the increase of blood flow. Sometimes you were driving a bit with thick hands. But it all makes you tougher as a driver and as a kid at the time."

This wasn't just physical endurance — it was mental grit. Even when Max's school didn't recognize karting as a sport, he chose to prioritize racing over traditional education. "I always targeted to do something in life where school was not necessary," he reflects.

Learning from Plateaus and Resets

There were moments of doubt too — particularly early in Max's karting journey when he plateaued around age six. It was during this time that his father had a breakthrough idea: try a new track, a new environment to shake up the stagnation.

"I remember the scene of going to Genk over and over again and going to that other track for the first time, I do remember that," Max says. "At the time I didn't know that my dad was so worried about my pace, but I do remember the sequence because it went really well on that particular track."

It turned out to be a pivotal moment in his development. That reset not only brought him back to form, but also taught him a valuable lesson: sometimes you need to change your perspective — and your environment — to grow.

Training Like an F1 Champion

Jos wasn't just teaching Max how to race; he was shaping his entire mindset. Whether it was mini races during holidays or carefully planned test sessions, every moment was designed to build not only speed but also strategy and mental toughness.

"My dad never said to me 'just go out and have fun.' No, we go out because we're testing or preparing," Max recalls. "There was always a very strict strategy behind it."

The Verstappens even created scenarios where Max would start from different positions — sometimes first, sometimes last — forcing him to adapt quickly and learn overtaking techniques on the fly. These drills, which began in their garage, shaped a driver who could handle pressure and think two steps ahead.

From Karting Dreams to F1 Glory

As Verstappen sits in Red Bull's F1 paddock hospitality today, you can see the fire still burning — not just in his eyes but in every word he shares. His karting years weren't just preparation for Formula 1; they were the foundation of an entire racing philosophy.

"I hope they do something else — I hope they play tennis or play football!" he jokes, reflecting on how he hopes to pass down his passion without pushing his children into the sport. He recognizes that his path wasn't easy, but it was defined by a clear goal: to be the best.

Max vs 100: A New Test

This weekend's Max vs 100 challenge at Silverstone is more than just entertainment — it's a nostalgic nod to Verstappen's early days. With over 100 karts on the track, he'll have to rely on those same instincts that helped him win four F1 titles.

"I think how they've set up the track from what they've shown me, I think it will be good," Max says of the event. "But it's still going to be hectic, for sure."

Despite his current focus on GT racing and being a father, Verstappen's karting roots are very much alive. He'll approach this challenge with that same intensity — strategic, adaptable, and ready to perform under pressure.

Watching Max vs 100

The race takes place on September 16th, starting at 6 p.m. in the UK live on Disney+. For U.S. viewers, it'll air on ESPN's Unlimited app with a delayed broadcast on ESPN2 later that day.

As we gear up for what promises to be a high-octane spectacle, one thing is clear: Max Verstappen's journey from karting prodigy to F1 legend is still very much part of the story — even in his latest test.