Max Verstappen might have been racing underneath the alias “Franz Hermann” on the Nürburgring, however there was nothing low-profile in regards to the buzz he created.
After the Miami Grand Prix, Verstappen hit the legendary Nordschleife in a GT3 automotive, stirring pleasure when stories surfaced that he’d already set a blistering lap time — doubtlessly a document.
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That didn’t sit nicely with Mercedes-affiliated GT3 driver Maro Engel, who claimed the lap couldn’t rely as a document as a result of Verstappen’s automotive wasn’t inside the usual spec. Engel posted on social media casting doubt on the achievement—and Verstappen fired again quick.
“That’s not true,” Verstappen on X. “Don’t unfold rumors should you don’t know one thing.”
Max Verstappen talks to the media after 2025 Miami GP Dash Qualifying.Peter Casey-Imagn Photos
Chatting with the media after qualifying in Imola, Verstappen defined why he responded so immediately—one thing he not often does on social platforms. “Usually, I don’t care about stuff like that,” he mentioned. “However I do know him, and we simply noticed one another in Monaco. I at all times present respect to the GT3 drivers, so yeah, it was a bit disappointing.”
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Verstappen made it clear the outing was by no means about setting information. “I simply wished to have enjoyable and drive. I’m not on the market attempting to make anybody look unhealthy,” he mentioned. “Some drivers really feel attacked, however that’s not why I’m doing it. I went there to study.”
Whereas some drivers would possibly let the noise slide, Verstappen wasn’t having it this time. “Whenever you see somebody publicly questioning integrity, particularly somebody you recognize, it hits totally different.”
Because the Imola GP weekend unfolds, the reigning world champion has made one factor clear: don’t query his ardour, and positively don’t query his tempo.
