Max Verstappen, the 27-year-old four-time Formula 1 world champion, continues to amaze the motorsport world, this time under his infamous alter ego Franz Hermann. After finishing second in the Canadian Grand Prix on June 15, 2025, Verstappen flew to Belgium on Monday evening, where he took to the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on Tuesday morning. In an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 emblazoned with the Verstappen.com Racing logo, he delivered a stunning test performance that left fans and pundits open-mouthed. Videos of his laps, shared on X and motorsport platforms such as Motorsport.com , showcase Verstappen’s unparalleled precision at the iconic circuit as he further shapes his ambitions in GT3 racing.
Verstappen’s visit to Spa was not a spontaneous act. It is part of his Verstappen.com Racing project, with which he pursues his passion for motorsport outside of Formula 1. To avoid a rush of fans, he drove under the alias Franz Hermann, a pseudonym he previously used during a test at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in May 2025. At that time, he drove a Ferrari 296 GT3 in preparation for the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), with the aim of obtaining a Nordschleifen-Permit. This license would give him access to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, a race that is high on his wish list. “The Nordschleife is a dream circuit,” Verstappen told RacingNews365 at the time . “I want to take endurance racing seriously.”
At Spa, where the 24 Hours of Spa takes place in two weeks, Verstappen tested with his team, which is already active in the GT World Challenge Europe. According to Grandprixnews.com , he clocked times that were close to the fastest GT3 laps of the season, although no official records were recorded. “His feedback was incredibly detailed,” teammate Thierry Vermeulen told Motorsport.com . “Max sees things on the track that we only notice after 10 laps.” Videos of his test, which went viral on X, show Verstappen effortlessly navigating corners such as Eau Rouge and Raidillon, a testament to his versatility as a driver.
Verstappen’s love of endurance racing is no secret. He has years of experience in simulators, studying circuits such as Spa and the Nordschleife in detail. “I’ve done thousands of virtual laps,” he told Formula1.com . “On the real track, it’s all about feeling the grip and the car.” His Spa test was not only about personal development, but also about supporting Verstappen.com Racing. The team, which features drivers such as Vermeulen and sim racer Chris Lulham, benefits from Verstappen’s expertise. Lulham, who previously tested with him at the Nordschleife, praised his mentorship: “Max pointed out subtle lines that could save seconds,” he told Autosport.nl .
The motorsport community responded enthusiastically. On X, fans praised Verstappen’s dedication, with posts like @F1FanaticNL: “Franz Hermann strikes again! Max is a legend on every track.” Pundits have speculated about his future in endurance racing. F1-Insider.com reported that Verstappen has been awarded FIA Platinum status, which qualifies him for top classes such as hypercars at Le Mans. Although his Formula 1 contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, he has not ruled out a switch to endurance racing after that. “Le Mans is on my list,” he confirmed to Motorsport.com .
Verstappen’s decision to skip the F1: The Movie premiere in New York for this test underscores his priorities. While the Formula 1 world follows him in his bid for a fifth title amid recent controversies including his penalty in Spain, Verstappen remains focused on his wider ambitions. His Spa performance as Franz Hermann cements his reputation as a driver who not only dominates Formula 1, but also wants to conquer motorsport in all its facets. With the Spa 24 Hours and the Nürburgring in his sights, fans are eagerly awaiting the next stunt from ‘Franz Hermann’. Whether he’s in an RB21 or a GT3 car, Verstappen continues to set the standard in racing.
