Latest news with #NurburgringLangstrecken-Serie
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
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Christian Horner Makes Revealing Comments After Max Verstappen's Recent Actions
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner shared his thoughts on star driver Max Verstappen trying his hand in different categories. The four-time Formula 1 champion surprised plenty of fans when he tried to hide under the name "Franz Hermann" to join the official Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) test. The Dutchman drove the Ferrari 296 GT3 for the test at the legendary Nordschleife last Friday. The pseudonym didn't work since a couple of signs exposed Verstappen. The Racing livery on the car and helmet design helped fans identify him. Advertisement The Red Bull star then revealed he was behind the wheel of the Ferrari 296 GT3 with a series of pictures on X. 'Having fun at the Nordschleife, Racing," he wrote. Max Verstappen during the 2025 Miami Grand Navarro-Imagn Images Verstappen is back in his natural habitat, as he tries to claim his second win of the season at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Horner was asked about his driver's recent adventures and he replied that the team tends to give freedom to their talent. Verstappen reportedly set a new lap record during his test, which could have opened a door for a future career in this category. That said, Horner added that he draws the line at the four-time champion missing a Formula 1 race. Advertisement 'He's not going to miss a race, that's for sure,' Horner said, per Sky Sports. 'The focus obviously has to be here on the day job. But I think it's great that he's so versatile. As Red Bull, we've always been slightly more relaxed than perhaps other teams in terms of the freedom that we've given our drivers. 'But it's finding that compromise, finding that balance. Obviously, the priority is here. But it's great that he's embracing all forms of motorsport.' Verstappen has been the only driver who has gotten in the middle of McLaren's dominance to start this season. He won the Japan Grand Prix, but has been inconsistent since that moment. This weekend's grand prix could be a good opportunity for him to go back to the top or watch the papayas increase their dominance over the competition. Related: F1 Imola Grand Prix 2025: Full Weekend Schedule, Dates, and Key Times
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Max Verstappen slammed for ‘incredibly dangerous' decision ahead of F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix by Ralf Schumacher
Circuit he raced at was dubbed the 'green hell' by British legend Stapp right there Max Verstappen slammed for 'incredibly dangerous' decision ahead of F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix by Ralf Schumacher Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MAX VERSTAPPEN has been blasted for his "incredibly dangerous" decision to race under a secret identity at one of motorsport's deadliest circuits. The reigning world champion went incognito last week to test a Ferrari 296 GT3 at the official session ahead of the third round of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS). Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Max Verstappen has been slammed for his 'dangerous' decision to race in a test at the Nurburgring Credit: The Mega Agency 4 Verstappen drove under a fake name in a testing session ahead of the third round of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie 4 Ralf Schumacher blasted the Dutchman's act as 'not very smart' Credit: Getty Racing under the name, Franz Hermann, he was seen running with the Emil Frey Racing team, who employ Thierry Vermeulen, son of Verstappen's manager, Raymond. However, Verstappen - who celebrated becoming a dad before the Miami Grand Prix - has been slammed by former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher for racing at such a dangerous track. The German ace gave his view on the Dutchman's appearance while on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, saying: "If I had been the team principal, I'd have asked Verstappen if he's still all there. "To do something like that on the Nordschleife of all places is not very smart. I know, for many, it's a viewpoint they don't want to hear, but I find the Nordschleife incredibly dangerous. READ MORE IN F1 'Hasn't finished' F1 boss and former Hamilton colleague gives verdict on Ferrari struggles "That's just the way it is, especially at this level and at these speeds." The Nurburgring Nordschleife is one of the most deadly circuits not only in F1, but in motorsport history. The Nordschleife - which at 12.9 miles is the longest permanent racetrack in the world - was dubbed the "green hell" by Sir Jackie Stewart, while there are estimated to have been at least 70 reported deaths there. Three-time F1 champion Niki Lauda suffered severe burns during a terrifying crash at the track in 1976, which had come after he had protested the race going ahead on safety grounds. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Recalling his time on the circuit, Schumacher said: "I then think back to when DTM races were banned here because those cars were going too fast, but today's GT3 cars are also insanely fast and everything happens neck-and-neck. "Something happens faster than you think. Doing this somewhere else, okay, but for most people the Nordschleife still represents the biggest challenge." 'People can't handle the truth' - Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bosses Following the test there, Verstappen will now be focused on the Emilia Romagna GP. The 27-year-old trails by 32 points to championship leader Oscar Piastri. Red Bull have brought a major upgrade package to Imola including a dramatic overhaul of the sidepod design as F1 kicks off a European triple-header of races. Speaking to media before the race, Verstappen said: "The team has been working really hard, and we will need to hit the ground running. "Imola is a really old school and iconic track that is really technical, and I always enjoy racing here. "It is difficult to overtake, so qualifying will be key here." Verstappen has won each of the last three races at the track dating back to 2021, with the 2023 race not being held due to floods in the region surrounding the circuit.
The Irish Sun
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Max Verstappen slammed for ‘incredibly dangerous' decision ahead of F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix by Ralf Schumacher
MAX VERSTAPPEN has been blasted for his "incredibly dangerous" decision to race under a secret identity at one of motorsport's deadliest circuits. The reigning world champion went incognito last week to test a Ferrari 296 GT3 at the official session ahead of the third round of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) . 4 Max Verstappen has been slammed for his 'dangerous' decision to race in a test at the Nurburgring Credit: The Mega Agency 4 Verstappen drove under a fake name in a testing session ahead of the third round of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie 4 Ralf Schumacher blasted the Dutchman's act as 'not very smart' Credit: Getty However, Verstappen - who The German ace gave his view on the Dutchman's appearance while on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, saying: "If I had been the team principal, I'd have asked Verstappen if he's still all there. "To do something like that on the Nordschleife of all places is not very smart. I know, for many, it's a viewpoint they don't want to hear, but I find the Nordschleife incredibly dangerous. READ MORE IN F1 "That's just the way it is, especially at this level and at these speeds." The Nurburgring Nordschleife is one of the most deadly circuits not only in F1, but in motorsport history. The Nordschleife - which at 12.9 miles is the longest permanent racetrack in the world - was dubbed the "green hell" by Sir Three-time F1 champion Niki Lauda suffered severe burns during a terrifying crash at the track in 1976, which had come after he had protested the race going ahead on safety grounds. Most read in Motorsport BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Recalling his time on the circuit, Schumacher said: "I then think back to when DTM races were banned here because those cars were going too fast, but today's GT3 cars are also insanely fast and everything happens neck-and-neck. "Something happens faster than you think. Doing this somewhere else, okay, but for most people the Nordschleife still represents the biggest challenge." 'People can't handle the truth' - Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bosses Following the test there, Verstappen will now be focused on the Emilia Romagna GP. The 27-year-old trails by 32 points to championship leader Oscar Piastri. Red Bull have brought a major upgrade package to Imola including a dramatic overhaul of the sidepod design as F1 kicks off a European triple-header of races. Speaking to media before the race, Verstappen said: "The team has been working really hard, and we will need to hit the ground running. "Imola is a really old school and iconic track that is really technical, and I always enjoy racing here. "It is difficult to overtake, so qualifying will be key here." Verstappen has won each of the last three races at the track dating back to 2021, with the 2023 race not being held due to floods in the region surrounding the circuit. 4
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
F1 champion Max Verstappen uses fake name to go incognito driving for rival team in test session
Scroll down to find out how Verstappen's cover was blown SECRET FORMULA F1 champion Max Verstappen uses fake name to go incognito driving for rival team in test session Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MAX VERSTAPPEN went undercover and used a FAKE NAME to test out a Ferrari this week. The Red Bull F1 star's best attempts to remain icognito saw him take on the fake name of Franz Herman. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Red Bull star Max Verstappen used a fake name to drive for a rival team in a test session 4 Verstappen took part in the session under the name of Franz Hermann 4 Verstappen elected to test a Ferrari 296 GT3 as he completed a few laps in Germany Verstappen tested a Ferrari 296 GT3 at the official session ahead of the third round of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS). The F1 world champion was running with the Emil Frey Racing team, who employ Thierry Vermeulen, son of Verstappen's manager, Raymond. The 27-year-old's fake name was on display on the car along with the Dutch flag. But it was clear to onlookers that Verstappen was behind the wheel as the car was decked out with his livery. READ MORE F1 NEWS GRAND TORE How supermodel-loving Briatore returned to F1 despite Crashgate lifetime ban The Dutchman also wore his own trademark F1 helmet and race suit that included his real name. Verstappen also had security guards present during the session, while photographers were barred from inside the garage. He is reportedly planning to get a Nordschleife permit, which would allow him to officially race around the iconic German circuit. Verstappen said last year: "The Nurburgring Nordschleife is one of my absolute favourite race tracks, and I hope that in a few years, I can also compete here with a real GT3.' CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS This is not the first time Verstappen has got behind the wheel of a GT3 car, as he fields his own team in the GT World Challenge. The four-time F1 champion has made no secret of his goal to switch to endurance racing following the end of his F1 career. 10 Years of Max Verstappen documentary trailer 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. He is under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 campaign, but speculation over his future continues. Verstappen will be back in F1 action at the Imola Grand Prix in Italy next weekend. He finished in fourth place at the previous race in Miami, just days after becoming a dad for the first time. Verstappen is currently third in the drivers' championship, behind McLaren's Oscar Pisatri and Lando Norris. He has won the World Drivers' Championship for four straight seasons between 2021 to 2024.
