Why Max Verstappen alias Franz Hermann is no more

Not long ago, the motorsport community was taken by surprise as an unfamiliar driver, Franz Hermann, set a blistering track record on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, widely considered the world's most challenging circuit.

The intrigue surrounding this mysterious German driver was palpable. Hermann, as it turned out, was none other than Max Verstappen.

The four-time F1 drivers' champion was testing his skills in a Ferrari 296 GT3. Despite initial intentions to cloak his identity, the secret didn't survive long. Racing fans were quick to uncover the truth behind the alias.

Verstappen's venture into the GT racing territory signals an imminent debut in the GT class, scheduled for this weekend.

However, this anticipated new chapter also heralds the probable end of Franz Hermann.

As Verstappen advances towards obtaining a Grade A Permit for the Nordschleife, the conditions necessitate him racing under his real name.

This requirement means that should he decide to register for any official racing events, he will have to compete as himself, thereby retiring Franz Hermann from the racing scene.

Though the alias of Franz Hermann was only a fleeting part of Verstappen's storied career, it left an indelible mark on his fans. The mystique of Hermann will undoubtedly endure.

However, as Verstappen steps onto the official paths of GT racing, the prospects for anonymity vanish. His well-known status renders any future attempts at undercover racing nearly impossible.

Yet, should Verstappen decide one day to explore another racing class, the story of Franz Hermann might experience an unexpected revival.