Max Verstappen Reveals 'Franz Hermann' Origin and Nürburgring Lap Record
Summary
Max Verstappen confirms 'Franz Hermann' alias originated from his GT3 team, with him choosing the German name. He also validated setting a new Nürburgring GT3 lap record of 7:48s, attributing his speed to extensive simulator practice.
Max Verstappen has confirmed the origins of his 'Franz Hermann' alias and validated claims of setting a new GT3 lap record at the Nürburgring.
Why it matters
Verstappen's foray into GT3 racing, where he competes under a pseudonym, showcases his passion beyond Formula 1 and ability to set competitive benchmarks even outside his primary discipline. The 'Franz Hermann' identity also unexpectedly led to new merchandise opportunities.
The details
- Alias Origin: The idea for a fake name came from Emil Frey Racing, the operator of his GT3 car. Verstappen himself chose 'Franz Hermann', aiming for a distinctly German sound.
- Nürburgring Test: In May, Verstappen tested a Ferrari 296 GT3 at the Nürburgring's VLN configuration (combining Nordschleife and F1 circuit) for his Verstappen.com Racing team, preparing for the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe endurance rounds.
- Lap Record Confirmed: Verstappen explicitly stated he broke the previous GT3 lap record of 7:49.578s. His laps were:
- First lap (full tank): 7:56s
- Second lap: 7:54s
- Third lap (new tires): 7:48s
Verstappen attributed his comfort and speed to extensive simulator practice, having completed
Original Article :https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-verstappen-franz-hermann-origin-did-set-new-la...