Just days after dominating the Miami Grand Prix, reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen stunned motorsport fans by showing up at the Nürburgring Nordschleife—behind the wheel of a Ferrari.
But Red Bull Racing supporters need not panic. Verstappen isn’t switching allegiances. The Dutch star was participating in what appears to have been a private, low-profile test session with Ferrari, piloting the 296 GT3 under the alias “Franz Hermann.”
Despite the cloak-and-dagger approach, Verstappen’s unmistakable helmet design and signature driving style tipped off fans and photographers. Eyewitnesses and footage confirmed that Verstappen was indeed at the wheel—and not just turning laps for fun.
According to reports from Nürburgring expert and racing driver Misha Charoudin, Verstappen set a new lap record for the GT3 category during the test. Even more impressively, the lap was reportedly completed on a full fuel load and while navigating traffic on the notoriously demanding 12.9-mile circuit, also known as the “Green Hell.”
The motive behind Verstappen’s Ferrari GT3 test remains unclear. Known for his deep involvement in sim racing—especially iRacing—the world champion has frequently expressed interest in various forms of motorsport. The test has sparked speculation that Verstappen may be eyeing future opportunities in endurance racing or GT competition.
Verstappen has long drawn attention for his aggressive, sometimes controversial tactics on the F1 grid, but his raw pace and adaptability continue to set him apart. Whether this test was a one-off thrill or the beginning of something more, one thing is certain—Max Verstappen is fast in anything with four wheels.
As rumors swirl, one question lingers: could the Nürburgring run be a preview of a post-F1 chapter in Verstappen’s career?