Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, is making waves beyond the asphalt of the Grand Prix circuit. On May 9, 2025, the Dutch driver took to the legendary Nordschleife, also known as the Green Hell, to test a 600-horsepower Ferrari 296 GT3 during the official practice sessions for the third race of the Nürburgring Long Distance Series (NLS). This surprise outing, kept under wraps until its revelation by Auto Motor und Sport, marks a significant moment in Verstappen's racing career, as he explores new avenues in motorsport.
Driving under the pseudonym "Franz Hermann," Verstappen aimed to enjoy some time on the track without the usual fanfare and attention that comes with his celebrity status. The Ferrari, adorned with the name "Franz Hermann" and the Dutch flag, was supported by the Swiss team Emil Frey Racing, which typically fields Thierry Vermeulen, the son of Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, in the DTM.
Despite his efforts to remain incognito, the ruse was quickly uncovered as his real name was visible on his helmet and racing suit. Nevertheless, Verstappen's secretive test was a testament to his passion for racing, as he sought to fine-tune his skills on one of the most challenging tracks in the world.
Verstappen's affinity for the Nordschleife is not new; he has participated in virtual races on the track through the Digital Nürburgring Long Distance Series (DNLS), expressing his desire to race there in real life. "The Nordschleife is one of my absolute favorite racetracks, and I hope to compete here with a real GT3 car in a few years," he stated during a previous DNLS event.
This recent test drive is part of Verstappen's broader ambition to obtain the Nordschleifen-Permit, a special racing license that allows drivers to compete in official NLS events and the prestigious 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. Reports suggest that he plans to acquire this permit within the year.
While Verstappen is currently focused on his Formula 1 career, where he is set to compete in the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on May 18, 2025, his foray into GT racing hints at a potential future beyond F1. After finishing fourth in Miami despite starting from pole position, Verstappen sits third in the World Championship standings, trailing McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
As the 27-year-old driver navigates the pressures of F1, the allure of the Nordschleife serves as an exciting distraction, allowing him to indulge in his love for racing in a different format. With his own team, Verstappen.com Racing, also participating in the GT World Challenge Europe with an Aston Martin Vantage GT3, he is clearly committed to making a mark in the GT racing scene.
Verstappen's plans to race at the Nordschleife could soon come to fruition, as he is expected to complete two races in less powerful, production-based vehicles to meet the requirements for the Permit A. This step is crucial for him to compete officially at the Nordschleife.
As fans eagerly await his next move, Verstappen's dual focus on Formula 1 and GT racing showcases his dedication to the sport and his desire to expand his horizons. The next few months will be pivotal as he juggles his commitments in F1 while pursuing his dreams in GT racing.
In a world where racing is often about speed and spectacle, Verstappen's approach reflects a deeper understanding of the sport's nuances and the thrill of competition. With his sights set on the Nordschleife and his ambitions in GT racing, the future looks bright for the four-time F1 champion.
