In the world of motorsports, secrets are often hard to keep, especially when you’re Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion. The Dutch racing prodigy recently took a break from his usual F1 duties to test a Ferrari GT3 at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, under the code name Franz Hermann. This “secret” test, however, swiftly became the talk of the town.
With a weekend free between the Miami and Imola Grands Prix, Verstappen decided to try his hand at the formidable Nordschleife in a Ferrari GT3. Despite attempts to keep the test under wraps, the presence of a Verstappen-esque driver soon drew a crowd. Onlookers were treated to the spectacle of the champion taking on all 20.832 kilometers of the track.
Timo Glock, a former F1 driver, provided some insights into the test. During a conversation on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Glock revealed his surprise at the flurry of emails he received even before Verstappen had left the pit box. “They could follow it well because they were stationed nearby,” Glock noted, as data flowed in from the test runs.
According to Glock, Verstappen’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. He reportedly clocked a time of seven minutes and 53 seconds on the challenging track—an impressive feat, considering it was achieved on just his second timed lap. Glock was quick to point out that although this isn’t the fastest time recorded on the Nordschleife, it is still a standout achievement, given Verstappen’s lack of prior experience on the track.
The rumor mill has been buzzing with speculation since the test took place. Verstappen’s involvement was meant to be low-key, yet his skill and speed quickly caught attention, reigniting discussions about his prowess beyond Formula 1. Although official details remain scarce, the test has again demonstrated Verstappen’s adaptability and exceptional talent.
While official data from Max Verstappen’s Ferrari GT3 test remains elusive, what’s clear is his ability to impress on yet another racing stage. His performance at the Nürburgring Nordschleife has added another chapter to the saga of his remarkable racing career, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next performance, whether in a Formula 1 car or another racing machine.
