Max Verstappen's secret GT3 test on Nordschleife described as 'madhouse'

Max Verstappen’s secret test on the Nordschleife was described as a “madhouse” by fellow racer Tom Coronel.

Verstappen, aiming to keep a low profile, used the pseudonym Franz Hermann for his run on the famous German circuit. However, his distinctive overalls and car livery quickly revealed his identity, drawing significant attention.

Max Verstappen GT3 Test Details Emerge

The reigning F1 World Champion was present at the Nordschleife on Friday during his F1 break, testing a Ferrari 296 GT3. Despite attempts at secrecy, his attendance became widely known, leading to a surge of fans and media.

Tom Coronel, who was also at the circuit, shared his observations with the Dutch version of the RacingNews365 podcast:

• “I went to see [Max] for a while and also spoke to the bodyguards,” Coronel said. “They even brought Rocco [his son] to Max because he was being heavily shielded from photographers and video.”
• “Once it was known that Max was training on the Nordschleife, it was completely packed with journalists, a complete madhouse!”
• Coronel added, “I even got emails from people saying that Max could best do the course this way and that. Of course, everyone understands that Max is not going to sit in a classroom and drive in a line around the Nurburgring.”

Reports indicated Verstappen's interest in competing in GT3 series, but he lacked the necessary racing permit.

Verstappen’s GT3 Permit Requirements

“I participated in the race, but Franz Hermann couldn’t participate in the race,” Coronel explained. “He didn’t have his license yet. On the Nordschleife you need special permission and you have to do a certain course for that. And that course has not yet been done by our Franz! But the test day, Max did on Friday.”

“He has a faster car. They are driving in the other class, the GT3. Indeed, they were under eight minutes.”

To compete in NLS (Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie) events, the four-time F1 World Champion would need to obtain a DMSB permit. This typically involves completing two races totaling 14 laps in a car with power equivalent to a detuned Porsche Cayman.