Max Verstappen has spoken out in support of Daniel Ricciardo’s playful use of the alter ego Frank Hermann, urging others to respect Ricciardo’s privacy. This comes after Verstappen himself used the pseudonym Franz Hermann during a recent GT3 test at the Nordschleife track, sparking widespread attention in the motorsport world.
The four-time Formula 1 world champion took part in the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) test and setup sessions earlier this month, driving a 600-horsepower Ferrari 296 GT3. When asked about choosing the name Hermann, Verstappen explained he picked it to sound as “German as he could,” as it was a requirement to use a fake name during the test.
Following Verstappen’s lead, his former Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo jokingly called himself Frank Hermann on Instagram, sharing a video of himself driving a tractor under that pseudonym. When pressed about Ricciardo’s adoption of the identity during a sim racing stream, Verstappen defended his friend by saying,
“He is busy in Australia, leave him alone!”
—Max Verstappen, F1 World Champion
Verstappen Reacts to Criticism Over Nurburgring Performance
Verstappen’s impressive performance at the Nordschleife, where he set a new lap record despite limited experience on the track, generated speculation about his possible intention to pursue racing eligibility in the NLS series. The achievement, however, drew criticism from DTM racer Maro Engel, who pointed out differences in the car specifications used during Verstappen’s test.
Engel noted that the Ferrari was set up with DTM specifications, including lower weight, more power, and reduced ride height compared to the NLS Balance of Performance rules, and stated,
“Still impressive for a first visit to the green hell. Would be cool to see Franz compete!”
Verstappen expressed frustration with Engel’s comment during the Imola Grand Prix weekend, emphasizing that he was there purely to enjoy the experience and improve his skills rather than chase records. He said,
“That was a stupid comment. I went there to have fun and just drive my laps. I [was] just there to learn.”
—Max Verstappen, F1 World Champion
He added,
“Then the record comes out of course, and it’s as if other drivers feel attacked. I’m just enjoying myself, and then you get that kind of unnecessary comment, which I find totally pointless.”
—Max Verstappen, F1 World Champion
Context of the Frank Hermann Identity in Motorsport Circles
The playful use of the Hermann pseudonym highlights a lighter side to the competitive world of racing, where identity and privacy can sometimes become a source of distraction. Verstappen adopting the alias for a GT3 test and Ricciardo following suit in a humorous fashion demonstrate their camaraderie beyond the Formula 1 spotlight.
With Verstappen’s strong performance stirring debate and his protective comments over Ricciardo’s alter ego, the situation underscores the pressures drivers face from public scrutiny and rival opinions. Verstappen’s insistence that Ricciardo be left alone while busy in Australia reflects a desire to keep some aspects of their lives and humor shielded from external interference.
As Verstappen continues to impress on multiple racing fronts, his unwavering defense of Ricciardo’s playful side adds a unique chapter to their ongoing friendship and rivalry in the high-stakes world of motorsport. Observers will be watching closely to see if Verstappen’s Nordschleife exploits lead to formal competition or if this remains a personal project blending skill and enjoyment.
