The Formula 1 world has once again been turned upside down by the actions of Max Verstappen, who has caused a storm of speculation under his alter ego ‘Franz Hermann’. While the Formula 1 community was gathered in Monaco for the exclusive premiere of the highly anticipated $1 billion film ‘F1 The Movie’, Verstappen was spotted at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, where he secretly tested an Aston Martin GT3 car. The unexpected move, which coincided with the Dutchman’s absence from the film screening, has led to a wave of reactions, ranging from admiration to speculation about his future in the sport. Fans and analysts are asking: what does this test mean for Verstappen and his relationship with Red Bull?

The Spa test, which was captured by fans and shared on social media, saw Verstappen behind the wheel of an Aston Martin Vantage GT3, a car used by his own racing team, Verstappen.com Racing, for the GT World Challenge Europe. The car bore the names of drivers Thierry Vermeulen, Chris Lulham and Harry King, but it was clear that Verstappen himself was conducting the test. The Dutchman, who has previously tested at the Nürburgring Nordschleife under the name ‘Franz Hermann’, appears to be developing his passion for GT3 racing further. “Max loves racing, period,” said one fan on X, while another jokingly remarked: “While everyone is in Monaco watching a movie, Franz Hermann is out driving laps!”

The timing of the test, however, is what raised most eyebrows. At the same time that 18 of the 20 Formula 1 drivers were in Monaco for the premiere of ‘F1 The Movie’, Verstappen opted to stay home and sim race before heading to Spa. The film, starring Brad Pitt and with a budget of $1 billion, was widely criticised by Verstappen, who branded its promotion as “annoying”. “I have little interest in those kinds of events,” he said in an interview. “I focus on racing, and my time at home is valuable, especially now that I am a father.” His absence was noted, especially as Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll was also absent, further fuelling speculation of a possible link with the British team.

Rumors of a move for Verstappen to Aston Martin are not new. Earlier this year, The Daily Mail reported that Aston Martin had prepared an astronomical $1 billion bid to sign Verstappen, a claim the team denied. However, the ties between Verstappen and Aston Martin have grown stronger. With former Red Bull designer Adrian Newey now working for Aston Martin and Honda set to join as an engine supplier in 2026, the team is seen as a potential destination for the Dutchman. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF, which works closely with Aston Martin, has the financial muscle to back a deal of this magnitude. “It’s no secret that Aston Martin has big plans,” wrote La Gazzetta dello Sport. “With Newey, Honda and a mega budget, Verstappen could be the key to their success.”

Still, Verstappen insists his contact with Aston Martin is purely about his GT3 project. “The only thing I spoke to them about was the Vantage GT3 for my team,” he said in London. “Those stories about a Formula 1 deal are exaggerated.” Despite this denial, the speculation continues, especially since Verstappen is only under contract with Red Bull until 2028, with clauses that allow for a departure. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has expressed confidence that Verstappen will stay, but the unrest within the team, partly due to the recent dip in performance, keeps the rumours alive.

For fans, the Spa test is a classic example of Verstappen’s dedication to racing. “He’s doing what he loves, regardless of what the world thinks,” wrote one supporter on X. But the timing, combined with his absence from the film premiere, has only fueled speculation about his future. Is Verstappen simply a racing driver following his passion, or is he hinting at a bigger move to Aston Martin? With the Austrian Grand Prix coming up, where Verstappen could face a suspension due to penalty points, the Dutchman remains at the centre of Formula 1 debate. Whatever the truth, ‘Franz Hermann’ has proven once again that he always causes a stir, both on and off the track.