Max Verstappen Revives ‘Franz Hermann’ Alias in Latest Test Session

Max Verstappen was back in action this week, but not under his own name. The Red Bull driver once again used the alias “Franz Hermann” as he tested an Aston Martin GT3 car at Spa-Francorchamps, just a week after finishing second at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Verstappen, who turned 27 this season, has shown increasing interest in endurance racing, especially as part of his post-Formula 1 career plans. The test took place at the iconic Spa circuit, which will host the 24 Hours of Spa in less than two weeks, adding extra significance to his appearance.

Verstappen’s use of a pseudonym at prominent testing events has become a talking point in recent months. Last month, he also took on the “Franz Hermann” identity during a test outing at the famed Nordschleife circuit in Germany.

Despite his efforts to avoid media attention, Verstappen’s presence was quickly recognized, causing a stir among motorsport fans and journalists alike. The pattern repeated at Spa, as many quickly identified the four-time F1 champion behind the wheel despite the name on the entry list.

Aston Martin’s GT3 program provided Verstappen with a chance to develop his skills in endurance racing machinery. The Spa-Francorchamps track, known for its rapid straights and tricky corners, presents a very different challenge from the circuits he faces in Formula 1.

This sort of experience is valuable as Verstappen looks ahead to possible future entries in major endurance races once his F1 commitments wind down. For now, any official entry into an endurance race remains a topic of speculation, but such tests point to his serious intent.

Verstappen is expected back in his Red Bull Formula 1 car later in June for the Austrian Grand Prix, which is considered the team’s home event. With the 2025 season standings showing Verstappen third on 155 points behind both McLaren drivers, every appearance and test is monitored closely by fans and analysts.

McLaren holds the top two spots in the drivers’ table following the Canadian round, with Oscar Piastri on 198 points and Lando Norris on 176. Red Bull, meanwhile, continues to push for every advantage as the field tightens.

The race at Spa also served as further preparation for endurance teams and drivers looking ahead to upcoming marquee events. The circuit remains central to the motorsport calendar, with both F1 and GT racing maintaining a strong presence there.

Verstappen’s repeated use of “Franz Hermann” signals both his desire for focus and the difficulty major names have in staying under the radar at big events.

As the season progresses, Verstappen’s results and off-track activities are likely to remain under the spotlight. Fans continue to speculate about his interest in moving to endurance racing full-time when his F1 contract ends. His intent becomes clearer each time he tests outside Formula 1, especially compared to others in the paddock.

For now, his outings in different machinery provide plenty of talking points and keep his name at the heart of racing discussions. All eyes will turn to Austria as Verstappen prepares to resume his F1 campaign with Red Bull at the end of the month.