On May 9, 2025, Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen surprised the Motorsport World by participating in a clandestine GT3 test at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which controls a Ferrari 296 GT3 under the pseudonym “Franz Hermann.” The four-time world champion, known for its dominance in F1, wanted to hold the test under wraps, but his identity was quickly discovered because of his name on his helmet and racing suit. What really fascinated fans and media were, however, the five words he reportedly expressed after he got out of the car: “This is where I belong.” These words, shared through messages on X, led widespread awe and speculation about the future of Verstappen further than F1.
The test, part of the preparations for the third round of Nürburgring Langstrecken series (NLS), saw Verstappen a Ferrari 296 GT3 governments for Emil Frey Racing, decorated in his Verstappen.com racing statement. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the Verstappen team has taken extensive measures to maintain confidentiality, to ban photographers from the garage and use the alias “Franz Hermann” on the car next to a Dutch flag. Despite these efforts, reporters with eagle eyes saw his characteristic helmet and social media bursting with images and videos, including a clip of Verstappen that carried out a flawless raid, shared by user @maxvcalloway on X.
The appearance of Verstappen in a Ferrari GT3 car raised eyebrows, especially because its Verstappen.com racing team usually contains an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 with 2 Seas Motorsport. His involvement with Emil Frey Racing, who supports the Ferrari of his team in the DTM series, underlines his growing dedication to GT3 racing. Verstappen has long pronounced a passion for endurance racing and tells Road & Track in 2024 that he dreams of competing in the 24 hours of Le Mans and Nürburgring. The expansion of his team in GT World Challenge Europe and DTM, who supported directors such as Thierry Vermeulen, son of his manager Raymond Vermeulen, reflects this ambition. The Nürburgring test, as reported by Sportskeeda, was also a step in the direction of obtaining a Nordschleife permit, possibly for the 2025 24 hours of Nürburgring, planned for June 21-one F1 outside the week.
The five words that Verstappen spoke resonated deeply and indicate a future in which GT3 racing can play a greater role. Messages on X, including one of @Racingballsf1, emphasized his “racing addict” nature and noted that the test came only a week after the birth of his child. Fans wondered about his versatility, with @Scuderiafemboy called the Undercover Stint “crazy”. Nevertheless, the explanation also fed speculation on his F1 trajectory. Verstappen, contracted as Red Bull until 2028, has confronted with a challenging season 2025, with a backlog by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri with 32 points after a P4 finish in Miami. The struggles of Red Bull, in combination with important departure such as Adrian Newey, have intensified rumors about a possible movement, in which some, such as Ralf Schumacher on GPBlog, suggest a future with the F1 team of Ferrari.
For now, Verstappen’s focus on F1, with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. However, his Nürburgring outing indicates a wider vision. The test was not just about personal pleasure; It was a strategic step to optimize the GT3 setup of his team, as noted by BVM Sports. His hands-on involvement, from driver coaching to Livrei design, shows an obligation to build Verstappen.com in a powerhouse. The premature end of the test, reported by GPBlog, was a small setback, but the skill of Verstappen in the Ferrari – reaching speeds of 170 MPH – under no doubt about his adaptability.
The secret test of Verstappen and Cryptic words have re -defined his story. In addition to F1’s Spotlight, he uses a path in Endurance Racing, combining passion with goal. While the Motorsport World of expectations buzzes, those five words – “This is where I belong” – Echo as a bold explanation of a champion unbound by one discipline, ready to conquer new horizons.
