Last Updated on May 10 2025, 10:59 am
Max Verstappen secretly tests Ferrari at the Nürburgring under an alias – One of the world’s most recognisable racing talents recently pulled off the ultimate disguise. In an unexpected move that has sparked both curiosity and admiration in the motorsport world, four-time Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen quietly took part in a test session on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife – behind the wheel of a Ferrari 296 GT3. But instead of running under his own name, the Dutchman used a pseudonym: Franz Hermann.
This covert outing wasn’t part of a film plot or a social media stunt. It was a calculated, well-organised appearance with a clear purpose: to obtain his Nordschleife permit, a prerequisite for competing in the gruelling Nürburgring 24 Hours. For Verstappen, it was the latest step in the pursuit of his dream of competing at the highest level of endurance racing – a pursuit he clearly takes just as seriously as his Formula 1 commitments.]
The unexpected sight of Verstappen in a Ferrari GT3
To see Verstappen in a Ferrari at all is surprising, given his long and dominant career with Red Bull Racing. It wasn’t an F1-related move, but it still caused a ripple of surprise in racing circles. The Ferrari in question wasn’t a single-seater, but a GT3-spec 296 run by Emil Frey Racing. Normally this car is driven by Thierry Vermeulen – who, as well as being another GT driver, is a close friend of Verstappen’s and the son of his long-time manager Raymond Vermeulen.
This time, however, the seat was filled by a ‘new’ name on the entry list: Franz Hermann, listed as Dutch but without further details. The name raised no immediate red flags, and with Verstappen wearing a full helmet and custom racing suit, few on the track had any idea who was actually at the wheel.
The pseudonym and the ruse
It was a classic low-profile manoeuvre. While those running the test on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife knew exactly who they were dealing with, Verstappen’s pseudonym allowed him to go unnoticed among the other drivers – at least initially. The disguise wasn’t perfect, with observers noting that he was wearing his own personalised helmet and suit with his real name on it. Nevertheless, the illusion worked for a short time.
The effort to fly under the radar was supported by additional precautions. The Emil Frey Racing pit box was cordoned off from photographers and reporters. Security was tighter than usual. In a paddock that regularly welcomes an eclectic mix of drivers and manufacturers, this level of secrecy was unusual, especially for someone supposedly named Franz Hermann – a driver no one had ever heard of before.
Chasing a dream beyond F1
Verstappen’s presence wasn’t just a whimsical detour. He has repeatedly expressed a passion for other forms of racing, particularly endurance events. The 24 Hours of Nürburgring has long been on his motorsport bucket list. However, to take part, even a driver of his calibre must obtain the official Nordschleife Permit, a multi-level licensing process designed to ensure that anyone entering one of the most dangerous and demanding races in the world is up to the challenge.
His recent performance was part of this certification process. Still only 27, Verstappen has already conquered much of what Formula One has to offer – multiple world titles, dozens of victories and a dominant run with Red Bull Racing that has cemented his place in history. But like many elite drivers before him, the hunger for new challenges remains.
Racing at the Nürburgring, with its treacherous, undulating 25 kilometres through the German Eifel forest, is one of the ultimate tests in motorsport. And for Verstappen, taking on the legendary circuit in a GT car would mark an exciting new chapter in his illustrious career.
Anonymity finally broken
Despite the initial success of the disguise, Verstappen’s identity didn’t remain secret for long. According to a report in Auto, Motor und Sport, those present at the test began to suspect something was amiss. The fluidity of his driving, his demeanour in the paddock and the visible security measures all contributed to the growing whispers around the circuit.
Eventually it became clear that Franz Hermann was a fiction. The man behind the wheel was none other than the reigning F1 champion. While the initial aim may have been to fly under the radar, Verstappen and his team probably knew that the cover wouldn’t last forever. This wasn’t about fooling the world – it was about avoiding unnecessary spectacle and fanfare during a critical step in his preparation for future endurance racing.
A taste of what’s to come
For many fans, this stealth appearance at the Nürburgring is more than just a one-off stunt – it is a tantalising preview of what may lie ahead. Verstappen has often said that he doesn’t see himself racing into his late 30s like some of his contemporaries. Instead, he’s hinted that other racing disciplines – those that allow him more freedom and variety – could become his focus after F1.
His recent acquisition of racing cars, including a Ferrari 296 GT3 and an Aston Martin GT3 for his own team, signals a growing interest in this direction. He has the resources, the skills and, increasingly, the experience to compete at the highest levels of GT and endurance racing.
This test at the Nürburgring could mark the beginning of a gradual transition from Formula 1 to a wider career in motorsport – one that could take him to Le Mans, the Nürburgring, Daytona or Spa. For someone who has achieved almost everything possible in F1, such a move could reignite his competitive spirit and provide him with a whole new set of challenges.
Verstappen’s motorsport horizon expands
Max Verstappen’s journey continues to evolve in fascinating ways. While he remains focused on defending his titles and competing at the highest level in F1, he is clearly setting the stage for the next phase of his racing life. Whether it’s touring cars, GT3 or endurance racing, Verstappen is laying the foundations for a diverse racing career that reflects his vast talent and ambition.
Testing at the Nürburgring as Franz Hermann was a quirky, almost playful detour from the rigid structures of Formula One. But it was also deeply symbolic. Verstappen wants to take on new challenges, but on his own terms. Whether that means donning a different racing suit, using an alias or building his own team, the message is clear: Max Verstappen is not content to stand still. He may dominate F1 today, but his future, much like the Nordschleife itself, promises twists, turns and plenty of adrenaline.
Is this a one-off escapade or the start of a new motorsport odyssey? Only time will tell. But if Franz Hermann appears on another entry list any time soon, you can be sure that Max Verstappen will once again be pushing the boundaries – wherever they may lead.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
