Max Verstappen once again used the alias Franz Hermann to avoid attending a prominent Formula 1 event this week, just days before the Monaco Grand Prix. The Dutch world champion’s use of the pseudonym highlights his desire to stay under the radar while still actively participating in racing activities.
Verstappen’s alter ego, Franz Hermann, surfaced recently when he took part in the Nürburgring Endurance Series test with Emil Frey Racing, driving a Ferrari 296 GT3. To keep the media at bay, he competed under this false identity, with journalists barred from reporting on his laps around the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
How Franz Hermann Became a Popular Alias for Verstappen
After the Nürburgring test, Verstappen’s secret stood revealed, and the name Franz Hermann quickly gained traction among F1 fans. In a playful nod to this, during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, Formula 1 replaced Verstappen’s name with Franz Hermann on the official timing sheets following the first practice session and shared this on social media, further embedding the pseudonym into fan culture.
Now, Franz Hermann has reappeared as the name Verstappen used once more, this time to bypass a key event connected to the Monaco Grand Prix week.
Verstappen Absent from Exclusive F1 Film Premiere in Monaco
The Formula 1 community gathered in Monaco on Wednesday evening for the debut screening of the new F1 movie, scheduled for official release on June 25. Every seat at the Grimaldi Forum was marked for invited drivers and team principals, and those in attendance were photographed together after the film.
Notably missing from the group were two major drivers: Max Verstappen and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll. The absence of Verstappen was particularly surprising given his status as a four-time world champion. Fernando Alonso was the sole driver from Aston Martin present, joined only by team members Andy and Sarah Cowell and Lawrence and Raquel Stroll.
While Lance Stroll’s reasons for missing the event remain unclear, Verstappen’s activities were visible online as he participated in an online racing stream under the Franz Hermann pseudonym. His setup included a striking hot pink steering wheel, emphasizing his passion and dedication to racing outside official events even during a critical week leading up to Monaco GP.
Despite skipping the film premiere, Verstappen did arrive at the Monaco paddock by Thursday, May 22, to take part in the FIA press conferences, maintaining his professional commitments ahead of the race weekend.
Implications of Verstappen’s Disguise and Absence
Verstappen’s decision to compete and engage in online racing as Franz Hermann, while avoiding high-profile F1 social appearances, suggests a strategic focus on his own racing interests and privacy. His playful use of a pseudonym has not only intrigued fans but also brought a lighter moment to the sport amid the intense competition of the season.
As the Monaco Grand Prix approaches, Verstappen’s actions underline his commitment to performance and preparation, while still managing his public presence carefully. The continued use of Franz Hermann may also reflect a way for the star driver to enjoy racing free from the spotlight at select moments.
