Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has surprised the motorsport world with his recent adventure outside the F1 Paddock. On May 9, 2025, under the pseudonym “Franz Hermann,” participated in a secret GT3 test session on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, where he drove a Ferrari 296 GT3 for the Emil Frey Racing team. Afterwards, the Red Bull driver shared his enthusiasm via social media, announcing that he wants to participate more often in similar GT3 events. This news caused unrest at Red Bull, where team boss Christian Horner admitted that he already suspected that Verstappen “had something in the planning” during the break between the Grands Prix of Miami and Emilia Romagna.
Verstappens love for GT3 racing is no secret. He owns Verstappen.com Racing, which participates in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup with Aston Martin Vantage cars and a Ferrari 296 GT3 deployment in the DTM series. The recent test, which was carried out in secret to avoid media attention, was part of his preparations for the Nürburgring Langstrecken series (NLS) and achieving his DMSB Permit Nordschleife, a requirement to participate in the legendary 24-hour race on the circuit. Verstappen called the Nürburgring “one of my absolute favorite circuits” and expressed the hope to race in a GT3 car within a few years. Although the test was initially held without photographers, Verstappen later confirmed his participation, which led to a wave of excitement among fans on X.
The timing of Verstappens GT3 trip, just after a disappointing fourth place in Miami, fed speculations about his future at Red Bull. The team is struggling in 2025 with performance tips of the RB21, where Verstappen won only one win in six races and behind McLarens Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris is in the championship. Horner revealed in an interview with Goodwood that he had been noticing Verstappens growing interest in endurance racing for some time, but the sudden test even surprised him. “Max likes racing, but we have to keep him focused on F1,” said Horner, who emphasized that Verstappen’s contract runs until 2028. Yet the Dutchman seems to broaden his horizon, which raises questions about his long term in sport.
During the test session, which was part of the preparations for the third round of the NLS, Verstappen drove the Ferrari 296 GT3 of his own team, dressed in Verstappen.com Racing colors. Despite his attempt at anonymity with the name “Franz Hermann,” he was recognized by his helmet and racing suit, as reported by Auto Motor und Sport. However, the test ended prematurely when the Ferrari was loaded on a salvage vehicle with technical problems, although the exact cause remains unclear. Nevertheless, Verstappen was enthusiastic about the experience and emphasized that fine tuning the car for his team made a valuable contribution to their preparations.
Verstappen’s involvement in GT3 racing goes beyond personal pleasure. He supports drivers such as Thierry Vermeulen, the son of his manager, who drives for Emil Frey Racing, and is working on the expansion of his team with at least two GT3 cars in 2025. His ambition is to build a fully-fledged racing team that can ultimately compete in several disciplines, possibly even after his F1 career. “We start in GT3, and then we see where the ship is stranding,” he said earlier about his plans.
For Red Bull, Verstappen’s trip is a reminder of his versatile passion for motorsport, but also a potential distraction in a crucial season. With upgrades planned for the Imola Grand Prix, the team hopes to compete with McLaren, while Verstappen has to distribute his focus. On X praised fans are courage and versatility, with messages such as “Max is a real racer” and “he lives for the sport,” while others speculated about a future switch to endurance racing.
While Verstappen is preparing for Imola, his GT3 adventure remains a fascinating look in his wider ambitions. His determination to overcome the Nordschleife, combined with its F1 obligations, underlines his unparalleled drive. Fans are eagerly looking forward to his next steps, both in F1 and beyond.
