Daniel Ricciardo remains a prominent figure in Formula 1 social circles despite no longer holding a race seat in 2024. He recently amused fans by playfully teasing Max Verstappen over the viral “Franz Hermann” nickname during testing at Nordschleife, highlighting Ricciardo’s enduring presence in the sport’s culture. This moment of lighthearted banter saw Verstappen himself respond with laughter and approval.
Ricciardo’s Humorous Nod to Verstappen’s Secret Alias
The “Franz Hermann” pseudonym surfaced after Verstappen used it to conceal his identity for a test run at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Seizing the opportunity for some good-natured ribbing, Ricciardo shared an Instagram video showing himself driving, captioning it “Frank Hermann.” Fans quickly understood the reference and flooded social media with reactions. While Ricciardo limited comments on his post, Verstappen was the sole visible commentator, replying with a string of laughing emojis and a flexed arm emoji to show his amusement.
Online discussions varied widely, with some social media users joking about Ricciardo restricting comments just to let Verstappen respond, while others pondered humorous pairings like “Mr and Mr Hermann.” Some fans were less gentle, alluding to Ricciardo’s difficult 2024 season by calling the Red Bull second seat “cursed” following his replacement by Liam Lawson after the Singapore Grand Prix. Still, Ricciardo’s wit and engagement showcased why he remains a beloved figure among fans.
Ricciardo’s Career Turning Point and Continuing Influence
Ricciardo was released from his role at VCAB after struggling with performance upon his mid-season return. Lawson’s takeover of that seat marked a significant shift for Ricciardo’s career prospects. Despite this, his playful jab at Verstappen demonstrates that Ricciardo’s influence goes beyond on-track results—he maintains a strong voice within the F1 community through his humor and social media savvy.
The “Franz Hermann” meme has become one of the standout phenomena in F1 for 2024, and Ricciardo’s “Frank” adaptation adds a new dimension to the joke, especially as Verstappen acknowledged it publicly. This exchange highlights how moments like these enrich the sport’s narrative, turning private jokes into shared fan experiences.
