Max Verstappen, the four-time World Champion, has been engaging with the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit recently under the pseudonym ‘Franz Hermann’. Despite his new involvement, he firmly rejected any chance of racing there again as a Formula 1 driver, citing serious safety concerns. Verstappen described the track as far too hazardous for modern Formula 1 cars to compete there.
The Nürburgring Nordschleife, famously known as the ‘Green Hell’ by Sir Jackie Stewart, was once part of the German Grand Prix calendar dating back to Formula 1’s first season in 1950. However, after the 1976 race, the series discontinued its use due to the dangers the circuit posed, with future German Grands Prix taking place on the shorter GP-Strecke layout instead.
In recent activities, Verstappen tested a Ferrari 296 GT3 on the Nordschleife disguised as ‘Franz Hermann’. This persona also appeared virtually at Spa-Francorchamps, further increasing interest. To capitalize on this, Verstappen’s team launched collectible scale models of cars under the ‘Franz Hermann’ branding, with deliveries planned for November 2025.
Insights from Verstappen on F1’s future at historic circuits
During an interview with Formule 1 Magazine, Verstappen was directly asked if he would consider driving a Formula 1 car again around the Nordschleife. He made it clear that returning to the track in top-tier F1 machinery is not feasible. He acknowledged that while GT3 cars can handle the circuit’s demands, contemporary F1 vehicles are too fast and unsafe for such a venue.
“One thing is for sure: F1 there, that will never happen again. Far too dangerous.”
— Max Verstappen, Four-time World Champion
Historical context and recent German Grand Prix highlights
The last German Grand Prix that Verstappen won was held at the Hockenheimring in 2019. The Nürburgring briefly hosted the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix, a unique event added due to the Covid-19 pandemic disrupting the normal F1 calendar. Although the Nordschleife has not been used for Formula 1 since the 1970s, Germany remains a key location on the race schedule through other circuits.
Verstappen has firmly established himself as one of the sport’s greatest drivers, having won his first World Championship in 2021 and successfully defending the title for four consecutive seasons. As of the 2025 season, he is pursuing a fifth championship, though currently lies third in the standings after ten rounds, trailing best-placed driver Oscar Piastri by 43 points.
Continuing challenges and future prospects in Verstappen’s career
Verstappen’s steady rise in Formula 1 underscores his dominance, yet the loss of the Nordschleife from the F1 calendar suggests a growing caution regarding track safety in the sport. His stance signals an important reflection on the balance between heritage circuits and modern racing demands, prioritizing driver safety above all. While the nostalgic appeal of the Nordschleife endures, Verstappen’s comments close the door on any hopes for its return in Formula 1.
Looking ahead, Verstappen’s focus will remain on the current races as he works to close the gap to the championship leader. His evolving career and safety concerns voiced today highlight the dynamic and sometimes uneasy relationship between racing traditions and the future of Formula 1.
