In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, few stories spark as much intrigue as a top driver going undercover. Recently, the name Franz Hermann has caught the attention of motorsport fans across India and around the world. But who is Franz Hermann? The answer, surprisingly, is none other than Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s four-time world champion.
Max Verstappen is no stranger to the limelight. However, his recent appearance at the Nürburgring Nordschleife—driving a Ferrari 296 GT3—left many puzzled. That’s because Verstappen tested under the pseudonym "Franz Hermann." According to Formula One News at The Times of India, the move was designed to keep his real identity a secret from media and fans, at least for a short while.
Verstappen later revealed that "they asked me for a fake name, so I said, let's make it as German as we can." His intention was simple: avoid drawing crowds to the entry list early in the day. Despite the disguise, the Red Bull livery and his own website on the car made his secret somewhat easy to guess.
The reason goes beyond mischief or publicity. As reported by Republic World, Verstappen's participation in the test at Nürburgring was part of his preparations for potential endurance racing—including the iconic Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Verstappen expressed his ambition: “I would like to do [the 24 Hours] in the future, that is why I am doing all these things to prepare, get a bit of experience so I don't need to do that for the future.” The test, done in privacy (at least as much as possible with the name Franz Hermann), allowed him to focus on adapting to different cars and racing techniques outside F1.
The Nürburgring test wasn’t just a casual drive. As highlighted by The Times of India, Verstappen drove his own Ferrari GT3 racing machine. This test happened just before the third round of the NLS endurance category—giving him valuable racing hours in official GT3 machinery. While the secret didn’t last, it achieved the intended purpose: low-key seat time and valuable data gathering.
Verstappen’s use of the alias Franz Hermann highlights his interest in expanding beyond Formula One. With direct experience of Ferrari’s GT3 car and the Nürburgring’s legendary circuit, Verstappen is preparing for potential future projects. Could he soon join the ranks of elite drivers in endurance racing? Only time will tell, but this secret test points to exciting possibilities for both fans and the racing star himself.
The story of Franz Hermann showcases Max Verstappen’s passion for motorsports and his willingness to embrace new challenges. By going undercover, even for a short time, Verstappen demonstrated both humility and ambition. For Formula 1 fans in India and beyond, this chapter adds a compelling twist to his already fascinating career. Stay tuned for more updates as Verstappen’s journey—under any name—continues to thrill motorsport enthusiasts.