Max Verstappen Secretly Tests GT3 Car Under… Read More
Max Verstappen, known for his passion for racing both on and off the Formula 1 track, recently took part in a secret GT3 test at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The reigning F1 champion participated in a test and setup session for the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), discreetly using the pseudonym ‘Franz Hermann’ and driving a Ferrari 296 GT3.
Although the car carried the alias and a Dutch flag, keen observers from AMuS recognized Verstappen thanks to his personalized helmet and racing overalls, which featured his real name. Despite the secrecy, his presence did not go unnoticed among other drivers and fans.
Verstappen’s participation in GT3 events isn’t entirely new. His personal team, Verstappen.com Racing, is already active in the GT World Challenge, and he has previously conducted private testing in GT3 machinery. However, this Nürburgring appearance marked a more public and competitive involvement, as it took place in the lead-up to the third round of the NLS.
During the test, Verstappen joined the Emil Frey Racing team, which fields Dutch driver Thierry Vermeulen—son of Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen. The collaboration suggests growing ties between Verstappen and GT racing as he continues to explore opportunities beyond F1.
The Dutch driver has made no secret of his long-term intentions to branch out into other racing disciplines. He has often spoken about his interest in endurance racing, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and has hinted that he doesn’t envision staying in Formula 1 as long as veterans like Fernando Alonso.
Back in 2022, Verstappen commented on his future in motorsport, saying he didn’t expect to be in F1 at Alonso’s age. He expressed his desire to compete in endurance races within a few years. In 2023, he reiterated this sentiment, emphasizing the natural limits of a long F1 career and expressing enthusiasm for new racing experiences that involve team dynamics, such as sharing the car in endurance events.
Now in his 11th Formula 1 season, Verstappen is laying the groundwork for the next phase of his career. His participation in the NLS test is a strong indicator that GT and endurance racing may soon become a more prominent part of his motorsport journey.
Whether in simulation or real-world races, Verstappen’s commitment to racing in all forms continues to shine. As he looks toward the future, it’s becoming increasingly clear that his time in F1 is just one chapter of a much broader racing legacy.
