Max Verstappen uses fake name to drive in Ferrari test as Red Bull star's secret gets out

Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen went undercover to drive in a Ferrari this week in a very active break. But it wasn't anything to worry about for fans as the Dutch racer took on new name to test a Ferrari 296 GT3 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife on Friday.

Verstappen's best attemps to remain icognito saw him take the fake name of Franz Hermann. The 27-year-old participated in an official test session of the Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) ahead of its third round.

But the four-time F1 champion didn't try too hard to dispell his presence with a vehicle covered in livery, while he wore his own trademark helmet and race suit that included his real name.

The car did sport his new name however, alongside the Dutch flag. The racer couldn't be too conspicuous it would seem.

But team-owner Verstappen was present to help his outfit make adjustments to their GT3 setup and happy to indulge on the Nordschleife, driving at the wheel of the Emil Frey Racing Ferrari.

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Verstappen's testing usually takes place in more private circumstances on rented racetracks. On this occasion however, he chose to be part of the official test and setup sessions before the third NLS round and completed a few laps.

Reports suggest the garage was closely guarded and that no photographers were allowed in the vicinity of Franz Hermann. Of course, it still did not take long for word of his appearance to get out.

And perhaps it should come as no surprise. "The Nürburgring Nordschleife is one of my absolute favorite race tracks, and I hope that in a few years I can also compete here with a real GT3," Verstappen said last year.

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Verstappen.Com announced its racing programme earlier this year and it includes the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance championship with 24 Hours of Spa, in an Aston Martin Vantage. The Dutch team also fields its Ferrari 296 GT3 in the DTM, with the son of Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen, Thiery.

Per AMuS, Verstappen’s attendance at the Nordschleife forms part of his plans to qualify for the special license needed to participate in official NLS events in addition to the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.

Verstappen is currently placed third in the drivers' championship, . The Dutchman won the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this year and has placed on the podium three times.

The Red Bull star has been and has been forced into an unfamiliar position after recent dominant compaigns.