Breaking:Franz Hermann RETURNS as Max Verstappen conducts secret tr...read more

Max Verstappen Reprises ‘Franz Hermann’ Alias for Stealthy Track Test Amid Endurance Racing Aspirations

Max Verstappen has once again assumed the secretive persona of “Franz Hermann” as he quietly took to the track for a covert test session, further fueling speculation about his growing interest in endurance racing. Earlier this month, the three-time Formula 1 world champion adopted the alias while conducting a private drive at the legendary Nordschleife circuit behind the wheel of a Ferrari 296 GT3.

The disguise initially drew playful mockery from his former Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo, who joked about the pseudonym on social media. However, the joke soon turned into a profitable venture for Verstappen, as merchandise themed around his alter ego “Franz Hermann” flew off the shelves on his personal website, demonstrating his savvy both on and off the track.

This Tuesday, Verstappen was once again seen pushing the limits — this time in an Aston Martin — with footage of the secretive session emerging on YouTube. His latest low-profile outing coincided with his decision to skip the star-studded premiere of the upcoming Formula 1-themed movie in New York. The Dutch driver cited a preference for staying closer to home and spending valuable time with his family.

Verstappen’s recent activity at the Nürburgring adds more weight to his long-expressed ambition to one day compete in endurance racing. While he has participated in virtual events within the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), sources suggest that the 27-year-old is seriously considering making the jump to real-world endurance events and is planning to acquire a Nordschleife racing permit this year — a necessary step for racing competitively on the challenging circuit.

But for now, Verstappen’s focus will shift back to his primary commitment: Formula 1. Next weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix is a particularly favorable venue for the Red Bull driver, who has already claimed victory there four times. With a strong track record at the Red Bull Ring, Verstappen will be aiming to close the points gap in the championship standings.

Currently sitting third overall, Verstappen trails Australian rising star Oscar Piastri and McLaren teammate Lando Norris, while Canadian Grand Prix winner George Russell lurks just behind. With the title race tightening, Verstappen knows that a dominant showing in Austria could reassert his bid for a fourth consecutive world title — even as he keeps one eye on a future in endurance racing.