Max Verstappen has introduced a limited edition collection on his official website celebrating his GT3 testing pseudonym, ‘Franz Hermann.’ The four-time Formula 1 World Champion recently completed a covert test session in a Ferrari 296 GT3 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, using this alias to maintain a low profile.
This special merchandise features two scale model Ferrari 296 GT3 cars marked with the ‘Franz Hermann’ name, commemorating Verstappen’s time as an anonymous participant on the iconic German racing circuit. These collectibles underline the unique circumstance of his discreet test and the driver’s ongoing involvement in GT3 racing under the radar.
The story behind ‘Franz Hermann’ and Verstappen’s GT3 ventures
Verstappen’s presence at the Nürburgring under the assumed name was linked to his activities with Verstappen.com Racing, his own squad that competes in endurance events within the GT World Challenge Europe. His recent testing extends beyond Nürburgring, as he also ran additional GT3 trials at Spa-Francorchamps earlier this week, again adopting the ‘Franz Hermann’ identity.
The incorporation of this pseudonym allows Verstappen to explore GT3 racing without the intense media focus usually surrounding his F1 career. This “unusual figure” testing a GT3 car created a buzz among fans and motorsport circles alike, resulting in the model cars being released as memorabilia.
Availability and details of the ‘Franz Hermann’ scale models
Two different scale models are offered for pre-order—a 1:43 scale and a larger 1:18 edition. These come with a premium price starting at £97.99, reflecting their status as limited, individually numbered collectibles. The expected delivery for these models is set for November 2025, appealing to enthusiasts and collectors who value unique motorsport memorabilia.
Verstappen’s future plans for racing at the Nürburgring and beyond
When asked about a return to the Nürburgring, famously nicknamed ‘The Green Hell,’ Verstappen replied,
Not for now. [I’m] thinking about it, seeing whenever it’s possible.
—Max Verstappen
There is speculation that Verstappen aims to participate in the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race. To compete, he must acquire a ‘Ring Licence,’ which entails taking part in two smaller events held on the Nordschleife. The next such event is scheduled for August 16, a date that coincides with the F1 summer break, potentially allowing Verstappen the time to attempt this qualification.
Additionally, sources close to the racing community have shared that Verstappen is considering a run in the 24 Hours of Spa, the premier GT3 endurance race, in 2026. This year’s Spa event clashes with the Austrian Grand Prix, which complicates his participation this year.
Verstappen’s driver rating and the significance of the ‘Franz Hermann’ alias
Verstappen recently obtained an FIA driver classification, placing him in the Platinum category, the highest rating available. Reflecting on acquiring this endurance driver status, he shared with media including PlanetF1.com:
I have to do it at some point, so I [had] better get it out of the way. I mean, it’s super easy. It’s just a form that you fill in and you pay and a week later you have the answer. I was secretly hoping for a Bronze rating! I might appeal the Platinum and get Silver at least.
—Max Verstappen
Regarding the choice of his pseudonym, Verstappen explained,
They asked me for a fake name, so I said let’s make it as German as possible,
and added,
I knew that, once I was there, that people would realise, but at least I wasn’t on the entry list, so at least at 8am/9am it was pretty calm.
—Max Verstappen
In a light-hearted moment on social media, Verstappen joked about his ‘Franz Hermann’ persona receiving plenty of attention, stating,
Franz is actually having a lot of contract offers at the moment, so he’s actually negotiating his terms for the Nordschleife.
—Max Verstappen
What this means for Verstappen and GT3 racing
Max Verstappen’s venture into GT3 racing under the alias ‘Franz Hermann’ signifies a subtle but important expansion of his racing career beyond Formula 1. His careful steps toward endurance racing and the Nürburgring 24 Hours illustrate a deliberate and measured approach to broadening his motorsport involvement while maintaining an element of privacy. The release of exclusive memorabilia under the ‘Franz Hermann’ brand provides fans with a tangible connection to this chapter, while also highlighting Verstappen’s growing interest in GT3 competition.
As he pursues a Ring Licence and potentially enters major endurance events like Spa and the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Verstappen is poised to add another impressive dimension to his racing legacy. Fans and collectors alike will be watching closely as these developments unfold in the coming months and years.