Fans of Formula 1 were surprised when the name Franz Hermann appeared linked to a secret Ferrari test at the famous Nürburgring circuit. Speculation grew, and soon it emerged that F1 world champion Max Verstappen had chosen this German pseudonym for a unique and secretive motorsport experience.
During a short break in the Formula 1 calendar, Max Verstappen decided to test a Ferrari 296 GT3 at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife. To maintain privacy and avoid public and media attention, he entered the event using the alias 'Franz Hermann.' This clever move let him focus on the test without drawing unnecessary attention. Still, eagle-eyed fans and journalists quickly connected the dots after noticing the Red Bull livery and Verstappen’s personal website showcased on the car. For more insight into how this story unfolded, read The Times of India’s comprehensive coverage.
Max Verstappen explained that choosing a German-sounding name added a layer of secrecy to his test. When asked about the decision, he shared: “They asked me for a fake name, so I said, let's make it as German as we can. Otherwise, people would wake up at 8am knowing my name is on the entry list.”
His reasoning was simple. By running under the radar as Franz Hermann, he hoped to avoid the usual fanfare that follows an F1 champion. The plan worked, at least for a few hours. Details provided by Republic World dive deeper into Verstappen’s answers and his future racing ambitions.
Verstappen’s secret Ferrari stint wasn’t just for fun. He revealed his real motive was to gain experience for endurance racing, particularly the iconic 24 Hours Nürburgring event. Testing as Franz Hermann enabled him to focus on learning about the GT3 car in a competitive yet controlled environment. He also suggested that, in the future, he hopes to participate as a team owner or driver in top endurance events. For further details on the circumstances behind this unique test, Times of India provides an in-depth look.
The Franz Hermann episode highlights both the lengths modern F1 stars go to for privacy and their dedication to mastering diverse forms of racing. With Verstappen’s growing interest in endurance racing, fans might see the name Franz Hermann appear again in future events. Until then, this clever alias will be remembered as a fascinating footnote in the career of one of F1’s biggest stars.
Stay tuned for more Formula 1 updates and behind-the-scenes stories from the exciting world of motorsport.