Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen stunned the motorsport world by participating in a clandestine GT3 test at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 under the pseudonym “Franz Hermann.” The four-time world champion, known for his dominance in F1, wanted to keep the test under wraps, but his identity was quickly discovered due to the name printed on his helmet and racing suit. What really captivated fans and media, however, were the five words he reportedly uttered after stepping out of the car: “This is where I belong.” These words, shared via posts on X, led to widespread awe and speculation about Verstappen’s future beyond F1.
The test, part of preparations for the third round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), saw Verstappen drive a Ferrari 296 GT3 for Emil Frey Racing, emblazoned in his Verstappen.com racing statement. According to Auto Motor UND Sport, Verstappen’s team took extensive measures to maintain secrecy, banning photographers from the garage and using the alias “Franz Hermann” on the car alongside a Dutch flag. Despite these efforts, eagle-eyed reporters spotted his trademark helmet and social media was abuzz with images and video, including a clip of Verstappen executing a flawless entry, shared by user @maxvcalloway on X.
Verstappen’s appearance in a Ferrari GT3 car raised eyebrows, especially since his Verstappen.com racing team usually fields an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 with 2 Seas Motorsport. His involvement with Emil Frey Racing, who back his team’s Ferrari in the DTM series, underscores his growing commitment to GT3 racing. Verstappen has long expressed a passion for endurance racing, telling Road & Track that he dreams of competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Nürburgring in 2024. His team’s expansion into GT World Challenge Europe and DTM, which has backed drivers such as Thierry Vermeulen, son of his manager Raymond Vermeulen, reflects this ambition. The Nürburgring test, as reported by Sportskeeda, was also a step toward securing a Nordschleife license, potentially for the 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours, scheduled for June 21—an F1 off-week.
The five words Verstappen spoke resonated deeply, hinting at a future where GT3 racing could play a larger role. Posts on X, including one from @racingballsf1, highlighted his “racing addict” nature and noted that the test came just a week after the birth of his child. Fans marveled at his versatility, with @scuderiafemboy calling the undercover stint “crazy”. Yet the statement also fueled speculation about his F1 trajectory. Verstappen, contracted to Red Bull until 2028, has faced a challenging 2025 season, having trailed McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 32 points after a P4 finish in Miami. Red Bull’s struggles, coupled with key departures such as Adrian Newey, have intensified rumours of a potential move, with some, such as Ralf Schumacher on GPBLog, suggesting a future with Ferrari’s F1 team.
For now, Verstappen’s focus remains on F1, with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix looming. His Nürburgring outing, however, suggests a broader vision. The test wasn’t just about personal enjoyment; it was a strategic move to fine-tune his team’s GT3 setup, as noted by BVM Sports . His hands-on involvement, from driver coaching to livery design, shows a commitment to building Verstappen.com into a powerhouse. The premature end of the test, reported by GPBLOG , was a minor setback, but Verstappen’s prowess in the Ferrari – reaching speeds of 170mph – left no doubt about his adaptability.
Verstappen’s secret test and cryptic words have redefined his story. Beyond F1’s Spotlight, he’s forging a path in Endurance Racing that combines passion with purpose. As the motorsport world hums with anticipation, those five words – “This is where I belong” – echo like a bold statement from a champion unbound by one discipline, ready to conquer new horizons.
