Max Verstappen goes undercover to take part in Ferrari GT3 test

Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has shared a look into a GT3 test at the Nürburgring in a Ferrari 296 GT3. 

While other F1 drivers are enjoying a week off from racing, the Dutchman went undercover to take part in the test, which he did under a pseudonym to avoid attention. 

Verstappen has shown an interest in GT3 racing for some time. He owns the Verstappen.com team, which competes in the GT World Challenge and he has taken part in numerous tests in the car. 

The latest outing was part of the test and setup sessions of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie. Verstappen had initially tried to keep his participation a secret, using the pseudonym Franz Hermann. However, he has since posted about the track time.

Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner previously spoke to Goodwood about Verstappen’s interests outside of the sport. He explained at the time:

"Honestly, Max is his own man. From all the conversations that have been covered by [the media], it's clear he doesn't see himself being a Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton and around in the sport for the next 15 years or so. He's got interests outside of Formula 1. He enjoys driving GT cars, simulators, LMP cars. He's very old school in many respects in that he just wants to drive, and some of the noise and circus around Formula 1 doesn't sit comfortably with him."

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

Horner added: "I think that so long as he's getting the enjoyment out of what he does, he'll do it. But as soon as that enjoyment drops, he's got the strength of character and personality to say, 'Do you know what? I'm going to go and drive GTs next year.

"He's unique in that sense that Formula 1 doesn't define him. He's doing it because he enjoys and loves it, and as soon as that enjoyment and love dips, he will go and do something else."