Max Verstappen added fuel to cross-team curiosity after driving a Ferrari GT3 in a public test at Nurburgring under the name Franz Hermann

Max Verstappen, a prominent driver for Red Bull, recently participated in an unanticipated test session for a rival team, all while using a fictitious identity.

It’s not every day that you see a top Formula 1 driver testing cars for other manufacturers, but that’s exactly what happened when Verstappen took to the Nurburgring Nordschleife on Friday under the alias “Franz Hermann.”

The Clues That Gave Him Away

Despite the effort to hide behind a fake name, it didn’t take long for onlookers to figure out that Verstappen was the one behind the wheel.

His car was emblazoned with his personal Verstappen.com branding, giving it away right from the start.

Even more telling was the fact that Verstappen wore his signature helmet and race suit, which prominently displayed his own name, further hinting at his true identity.

Testing a Ferrari 296 GT3

During the session, Verstappen tested the Ferrari 296 GT3, a car that’s quite different from his usual Red Bull ride.

This move wasn’t just about having some fun – it was a part of an official test and setup session ahead of the third round of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS).

Verstappen took a few laps behind the wheel of the Emil Frey Racing Ferrari, showcasing his versatility as a driver, even outside of Formula 1.

A Dream Come True?

Last year, Verstappen had shared his interest in racing at the Nurburgring with a GT3 car, describing the iconic track as one of his favorites.

In fact, he hinted at his desire to compete there with a real GT3 in the future.

“The Nurburgring Nordschleife is one of my absolute favorite race tracks, and I hope that in a few years I can also compete here with a real GT3,” he mentioned.

Verstappen’s Current F1 Standings

Although his off-track ventures are exciting, Verstappen’s focus is still very much on Formula 1.

Currently sitting in third place in this year’s standings, he’s trailing behind Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

The 27-year-old has already claimed the World Drivers’ Championship four times, winning consecutively from 2021 to 2024, and he’ll be back in action next weekend at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Looking Ahead

After finishing fourth in Miami at the previous race, Verstappen’s fans are eager to see how he performs next in Italy.

His consistent results and competitive spirit make him a key contender for the upcoming events.