Why Franz Hermann? Verstappen shares details of Nurburgring GT3 test

Max Verstappen revealed further details of his GT3 test at Nurburgring’s Nordschleife, in which he competed under the pseudonym of “Franz Hermann” during an official Nurburgring Endurance Series test.

The four-time Formula 1 champion drove Emil Frey Racing’s Ferrari 296 GT3, which the Swiss outfit usually races in DTM. Verstappen’s protege, Thierry Vermeulen, is one of the team’s drivers.

Rumours were abound that Verstappen was on the pace from the get-go and, when asked if he had beaten Norwegian racer Christian Krognes’ NLS GT3 lap record of a 7m49.578s, the Dutchman confirmed that it was true.

But, he said that the test was not about trying to prove himself with a flying lap, but to help Emil Frey prepare for a potential entry in the near future – and, furthermore, to help himself get acquainted should he wish to eventually contest the Nurburgring 24 Hours.

“They asked me for a fake name, so I said let’s make it as German as we can,” Verstappen said of his choice to run as Franz Hermann.

“Then you’re not on the entry list. Otherwise people woke up at 8am knowing that my name is on it; I knew that once I was there that people would realise. It’s normal. But at least I wasn’t on the entry list. So at least at 8, 9am it was pretty calm.

“I was [faster than the NLS GT3 lap record], but 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.

“With Emil Frey as well, they weren’t there before, so for them also the dream is to do 24 hours there.

“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.

“I would like to do that in the future. 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.

“It’s my passion. I’m running this year also with the GT3 team, I want to gather also more information for myself. And at the end of the day, it’s my private time.”

Verstappen would need to secure a DMSB Permit to race on the Nordschleife. In order to race with GT3 machinery, this would likely mean that he would need to work his way through the categories to do so, unless he receives special dispensation.

Max Verstappen, Emil Fray Racing Ferrari 496 GT3

Photo by: Max Verstappen

He estimated that he did “thousands” of laps in the simulator before arriving at the historic track, ensuring that he knew the circuit like the back of his hand and only needed to assess the grip level once he got behind the wheel of the Ferrari.

“I’ve done thousands of laps around there,” he added, “So for me, when I got there in real life, it was more knowing the grip level of the new tarmac in places, and then the grip level of the car.

“Of course, a few barriers here and there are modified a bit. The most important is that you know exactly where you’re going. And that I knew already.

“[I still get more adrenaline from] F1. At the same time, I also had a lot of fun out there. But it’s testing. So, you’re always a bit more relaxed anyway.

“It was a full day with every car, tow trucks, everything. But [the traffic] was fine. It’s not like that’s the first time for me as well. You know, on the sim you have the same with slow categories.

“You have to take your time, know where you can pass or not. You don’t want to be too off line as well. But it was fun, and I had a good time.”