Reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen was reportedly spotted testing for another team using a pseudonym.
It has been a tricky start to the 2025 season for Verstappen as his recent dominance looks set to be halted by the rampant McLarens.
After winning only one race out of six, the Dutchman is trailing Lando Norris by 16 points and Oscar Piastri by 32 in the standings.
With one week to go until the next Grand Prix, Verstappen was spotted doing a 'secret test' for another team and was seen using a fictional name.
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As reported by Auto, Motor und Sport (AMuS), Verstappen was seen driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 on the Nurburgring Nordschleife.
It was suggested that Verstappen used the pseudonym 'Franz Hermann' in a bid to stay under the radar.
However, his true identity was revealed after Verstappen's name was seen on his helmet and his racing suit.
The car was being run by Emil Frey Racing, a GT3 racing team based in Switzerland.
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It was announced in March that Emil Frey Racing would be collaborating with the Red Bull driver's Verstappen.com Racing project in GT3.
The report stated that Verstappen was shielded by his own security team, and photographers were not permitted inside the garage.
Speaking previously about the Nurburgring, Verstappen said: "The Nürburgring Nordschleife is one of my absolute favorite racetracks and I hope that in a few years I can start here with a real GT3."
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When chatting to SPORTbible last year, Verstappen also expressed his desire to try other forms of racing when he decides to call time on his F1 career.
"I have achieved what I wanted to achieve," he confirmed.
"So, it's more about trying to replicate it. Trying to win more, even if I don't, that's fine as well."
Verstappen added: "I also want to do other kinds of racing outside of Formula 1 eventually and at one point of course I will scale it back a bit."
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F1 will return next weekend with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, which will be held at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Formula 1
Marcus Chan