Latest news with #MiamiGrandPrix.SamNavarro-Imagn
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Max Verstappen Building Sim Racing Empire While Helping Develop F1 Feeder Series Tech
Max Verstappen isn't just dominating on Sundays, he's now shaping how future drivers train long before they ever reach Formula 1. Behind the scenes, the Red Bull star is helping develop simulator software used by Formula 2 and Formula 3 teams — F1 feeder series — blending his technical expertise with a growing investment in sim racing infrastructure. 'Max also develops software for the simulators used by Formula 2 and Formula 3 teams,' said Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. Advertisement 'He runs a sim racing team and now he wants to put one of his best drivers in a GT car,' Marko added. 'That's an active promotion of young talents.' Marko highlighted the skyrocketing costs of traditional karting, sometimes exceeding a quarter of a million dollars per season. 'And what does the equipment for sim racing cost? Maybe $30,000 to $50,000 in total,' he said. Max Verstappen during the 2025 Miami Grand Navarro-Imagn Images Verstappen's long term vision made headlines last week after his stealth appearance at Nurburgring under the pseudonym 'Franz Hermann.' While the GT3-class test was never officially timed, rumors of a lap record quickly circulated — and now seem all but confirmed. Advertisement 'He told me that he beat a record by two seconds after just three laps,' said Marko. 'He knew every lap time, everything about the suspension. He was almost more into the details than he is with his Formula 1 car.' Whether it's engineering high-end simulators or scouting the next generation through his own racing team, Verstappen is building something bigger than just his own legacy and he's doing it on his own terms. Related: Fans Roast Max Verstappen After He Tried Hiding as 'Franz Hermann' During Ferrari Test at Nordschleife
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fans Roast Max Verstappen After He Tried Hiding as 'Franz Hermann' During Ferrari Test at Nordschleife
Max Verstappen may be a four-time Formula 1 world champion, but even he couldn't stay hidden for long at the Nurburgring. This week, Verstappen quietly joined the official Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) test, slipping behind the wheel of a Ferrari 296 GT3. But instead of his usual branding, his car bore the name 'Franz Hermann' — a clear attempt to stay under the radar on the legendary Nordschleife. Advertisement It didn't work. Fan quickly pieced it together thanks to the Racing livery on the car and his unmistakable helmet design. 'Bro logged into his alt account today,' one fan joked as the internet lit up with memes and reactions. Another quipped , 'Wdym? I thought Franz was driving.' Max Verstappen during the 2025 Miami Grand Navarro-Imagn Images After the cat was fully out of the bag, Verstappen leaned in and confirmed his presence himself, posting, 'Having fun at the Nordschleife, Racing.' Cue the roasting. 'Where's Franz Hermann then!?' one fan asked, while another joined the fun with: 'Glad to see this sim racer get a chance on a real track.' Someone also summed up the mood perfectly: 'Why are you posting photos of Franz Hermann?' This stealth test wasn't just for laughs. Verstappen has long hinted at his desire to compete at the Nordschleife and is actively working toward the required permit. It's another step toward broadening his racing resume beyond Formula 1, with his GT3 testing and involvement in endurance events pointing toward future ambitions. Advertisement But even when he's trying to go incognito, Verstappen can't help but go viral. As one fan perfectly put it: 'Max keeping it quiet…' Expect him back in F1 action next at Imola — though don't be surprised if 'Franz Hermann' makes another appearance somewhere down the line. Related: Max Verstappen Reveals the Surprising Story Behind Naming His Daughter Lily
