Max Verstappen may have been racing under the alias ?Franz Hermann? at the N?rburgring, but there was nothing low-profile about the buzz he created. After the Miami Grand Prix, Verstappen hit the legendary Nordschleife in a GT3 car, stirring excitement when reports surfaced that he?d already set a blistering lap time – potentially a record.
That didn?t sit well with Mercedes-affiliated GT3 driver Maro Engel, who claimed the lap couldn?t count as a record because Verstappen?s car wasn?t within the standard spec. Engel posted on social media casting doubt on the achievement–and Verstappen fired back fast. ?That?s not true,? Verstappen responded on X. ?Don?t spread rumors if you don?t know something.?
Max Verstappen talks to the media after 2025 Miami GP Sprint Qualifying.Peter Casey-Imagn Images Speaking to the media after qualifying in Imola, Verstappen explained why he responded so directly–something he rarely does on social platforms. ?Normally, I don?t care about stuff like that,? he said. ?But I know him, and we just saw each other in Monaco. I always show respect to the GT3 drivers, so yeah, it was a bit disappointing.?
Verstappen made it clear the outing was never about setting records. ?I just wanted to have fun and drive. I?m not out there trying to make anyone look bad,? he said. ?Some drivers feel attacked, but that?s not why I?m doing it. I went there to learn.? While some drivers might let the noise slide, Verstappen wasn?t having it this time. ?When you see someone publicly questioning integrity, especially someone you know, it hits different.? As the Imola GP weekend unfolds, the reigning world champion has made one thing clear: don?t question his passion, and definitely don?t question his pace.
