Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has surprised the motorsport world with his latest venture outside the F1 paddock. On May 9, 2025, Verstappen, under the alias “Franz Hermann,” took part in a secret GT3 test session at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 for the Emil Frey Racing team. Afterwards, the Red Bull driver shared his excitement on social media, announcing his intention to compete in similar GT3 events more often. The news caused a stir at Red Bull, with team principal Christian Horner admitting that he suspected Verstappen “had something planned” during the break between the Miami and Emilia Romagna Grands Prix.

Verstappen’s love of GT3 racing is no secret. He owns Verstappen.com Racing, which competes in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup with Aston Martin Vantage cars and fields a Ferrari 296 GT3 in the DTM series. The recent test, which was conducted in secret to avoid media attention, was part of his preparations for the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) and to obtain his DMSB Permit Nordschleife, a requirement to compete in the legendary 24-hour race at the circuit. Verstappen called the Nürburgring “one of my absolute favourite circuits” and expressed his hope to race a GT3 car there within a few years. Although the test was initially held without photographers, Verstappen later confirmed his participation himself, sparking a wave of excitement among fans at X.

The timing of Verstappen’s GT3 exit, coming on the heels of a disappointing fourth-place finish in Miami, has fueled speculation over his future at Red Bull. The team has struggled with performance slumps from the RB21 in 2025, with Verstappen taking just one win in six races and trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the championship. Horner revealed in an interview with Goodwood that he had long noticed Verstappen’s growing interest in endurance racing, but the sudden test caught even him by surprise. “Max loves racing, but we need to keep him focused on F1,” said Horner, who stressed that Verstappen’s contract runs until 2028. Still, the Dutchman appears to be broadening his horizons, raising questions about his long-term commitment to the sport.

During the test session, which was part of the preparations for the third round of the NLS, Verstappen drove his own team’s Ferrari 296 GT3, dressed in Verstappen.com Racing colours. Despite his attempt at anonymity with the name “Franz Hermann,” he was recognised by his helmet and racing suit, as reported by Auto Motor und Sport. However, the test ended prematurely when the Ferrari was loaded onto a recovery vehicle with technical problems, although the exact cause remains unclear. Nevertheless, Verstappen was enthusiastic about the experience and stressed that fine-tuning the car for his team was a valuable contribution to their preparations.

Verstappen’s involvement in GT3 racing goes beyond personal enjoyment. He supports drivers such as his manager’s son Thierry Vermeulen, who drives for Emil Frey Racing, and is working on expanding his team to at least two GT3 cars by 2025. His ambition is to build a fully-fledged racing team that can eventually compete in multiple disciplines, possibly even after his F1 career. “We’ll start in GT3, and then we’ll see where the ship runs aground,” he has previously said of his plans.

For Red Bull, Verstappen’s outing is a reminder of his multifaceted passion for motorsport, but also a potential distraction in a crucial season. With upgrades planned for the Imola Grand Prix, the team will hope to challenge McLaren, leaving Verstappen to divide his focus. On X, fans have praised his grit and versatility, with messages reading “Max is a true racer” and “He lives for the sport,” while others speculated about a future switch to endurance racing.

As Verstappen prepares for Imola, his GT3 adventure remains a fascinating glimpse into his wider ambitions. His determination to conquer the Nordschleife, combined with his F1 commitments, underlines his unparalleled drive, with fans eagerly awaiting his next steps, both in F1 and beyond.