Just in:Max Verstappen Disguises Himself as….read more
Max Verstappen Disguises Himself as….read more
During the Imola Grand Prix weekend, many Formula 1 fans were caught off guard when Max Verstappen’s name was nowhere to be seen on the official Free Practice 1 timing sheets. Instead, the name “Franz Hermann” appeared, listed as a newcomer who placed seventh. This wasn’t a surprise driver swap or a sudden change in the Red Bull lineup. Rather, it was a playful nod by Formula 1’s social media team to Verstappen’s recent off-track activities.
A Secret GT3 Outing at the Nordschleife
The reason behind the humorous switch stems from Verstappen’s involvement in a private GT3 test at the Nürburgring Nordschleife—one of the world’s most legendary race tracks. The reigning F1 world champion quietly tested a Ferrari 296 GT3, delivering laps in the high-performance, 600-horsepower machine. Wanting to keep the session low-profile, Verstappen registered under the name “Franz Hermann” to stay anonymous. To further ensure privacy, the test was closed off to photographers, and Verstappen was accompanied by his personal security team.
Aiming for Real-World Endurance Racing
Verstappen’s low-key appearance wasn’t just for fun. The test was reportedly part of a larger plan to help him qualify for a permit to race in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), a competitive endurance racing series. Though Verstappen has previously competed in virtual NLS events, he has expressed a desire to take part in real-life GT3 races on the Nordschleife. The recent test marks a significant step in that direction, potentially opening doors for him to compete in endurance events later in the year.
In a past online interview during a virtual NLS event, Verstappen stated, “The Nürburgring Nordschleife is one of my all-time favourite tracks. I really hope that one day I can race there in a proper GT3 car.”
Why the Name ‘Franz Hermann’?
Naturally, the peculiar name choice drew curiosity. When questioned about it over the Imola GP weekend, Verstappen responded with a smile, saying, “They told me I needed to use a fake name, so I figured, let’s go with something that sounds very German.” The alias was never meant to be serious—it simply added an amusing twist to his undercover test.
Challenging Start to the Imola Weekend
Back in F1 action, Verstappen’s weekend didn’t begin on a high note. In FP1, he finished in seventh—under his humorous alias—and only managed fifth in FP2. Red Bull, usually strong contenders, appear to be facing a tougher challenge this weekend at Imola, which could lead to one of their more difficult race outings in recent memory.
Looking Ahead: Beyond Formula 1
Although the Franz Hermann stunt brought laughs, it points to a more serious development in Verstappen’s career. As he explores new racing disciplines like GT3 and endurance racing, it’s clear that the Dutch driver is looking to broaden his motorsport legacy far beyond Formula 1.
