Incognito Max breaks Nürburgring record
Max Verstappen Breaks Nürburgring GT3 Record Using Alias "Franz Hermann"
IMOLA — Max Verstappen, reigning Formula 1 champion, recently revealed details behind his record-breaking run at the Nürburgring, including his decision to adopt the alias "Franz Hermann" during the official GT3 test entry. Taking advantage of the break between the Miami Grand Prix and Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Verstappen spent his weekend at the iconic 14-mile Nordschleife circuit, testing his mettle in a Ferrari 296 GT3.
The Dutch sensation reportedly shattered the existing GT3 track record of 7:49.5, though the official timings were not disclosed. Reflecting on the experience, Verstappen shared, "It was [faster than the previous record], yeah. For me, I'm not there to show that I can break a lap record or whatever record, I was just having fun and learning the track together with the team."
Perfect Conditions for a Record Run
Conditions on the day proved to be ideal, offering Verstappen a sunny backdrop for his record-setting run. "We just had a good time, getting up to speed, we were lucky with the conditions as well. It was really nice and sunny, so that's great if you can have that," he noted.
The Story Behind "Franz Hermann"
Event organizers requested Verstappen use a pseudonym to keep the crowd manageable, a challenge in itself for the racing superstar. Explaining his choice of alias, Verstappen stated:
"You're not on the entry list [if you use a fake name], otherwise people rock up at 8 a.m. knowing that my name is on the entry list. They asked me for a fake name, so I said let's make it as German as we can."
Aspirations for the Nürburgring 24-Hours Race
Looking toward the future, Verstappen has aspirations of participating in the Nürburgring 24-Hours race, though balancing this ambition with his F1 commitments remains a work in progress.
"I would like to do that in the future," he admitted. "That's why I'm doing all these things, to prepare a bit, get a bit of experience. So you don't need to do that in the future."
The Nordschleife’s Legacy and Risks
Despite missing a chance to drive an F1 car in a demonstration at the same venue earlier this year, Red Bull granted Verstappen the opportunity to undertake the GT3 test. The Nordschleife's legacy in F1 lore remains significant, with racing ceased after Niki Lauda's infamous crash in 1976.
Verstappen acknowledged the risks associated with piloting current F1 machinery on the storied circuit, pointing out the challenges posed by the track’s condition.
"I would not want to drive there with these [current F1] cars," he explained. "It's too bumpy and too many compressions. Honestly, for me when I drove there I think the GT3 speed is perfectly fine. Anything above that becomes already a little bit more risky."
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