Max Verstappen hatches ‘secret’ plan to compete in another series in 2025, cameras were banned from his test

Speculation about Max Verstappen’s future plans in Formula 1 has been rife in 2025 as the Dutchman weighs up his options.

Contracted to Red Bull until 2028, the four-time champion has been linked with a move away since last season. The Milton Keynes outfit have suffered huge losses behind the scenes, such as Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley – it is feared Verstappen could follow suit.

Verstappen has been frustrated by Red Bull in 2025 as he has encountered several issues with the RB21. While he is still firmly in the title picture, rumours have swirled about the Dutchman moving on to pastures new.

Mercedes and Aston Martin are heavily interested in the 27-year-old, while Ferrari are not considering Verstappen at the moment. They are happy with their current line-up of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

However, the Maranello outfit could become an option, with rumours that Verstappen could take a sabbatical in 2026. Ferrari could have a seat available if Hamilton retires next season.

The Dutchman has also expressed an interest in competing in other categories, such as Super Formula and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. On Friday, he was spotted making preparations for another iconic race.

Max Verstappen plans to compete in the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring with ‘secret’ GT3 test

Verstappen has made it no secret about his interest in sports cars. The Dutchman is regularly sim racing outside of F1, as well as owning his own GT3 team, which competes in the GT World Challenge.

In a report from Auto Motor und Sport, the four-time F1 champion ran a test in his Ferrari 296 GT3 around the Nurburgring Nordschleife on Friday. The outing was meant to be a ‘secret’, hence why cameras were not allowed in the garage.

The Dutchman wanted his test to be completely private, so much so that he ran under the pseudonym ‘Franz Hermann’. The name was also displayed on the Ferrari, but his real identity was made apparent when people spotted Verstappen’s name on his helmet and racing overalls.

The 27-year-old is regularly seen driving GT3 cars in private, typically in Southern Europe at privately rented circuits. However, Verstappen chose a more public track for his latest outing – there was a clear reason for that.

According to the report from AMuS, Verstappen is ‘planning to obtain the so-called Nordschleife permit this year’. This is the licence needed to compete in the 24-Hour race at the Nurburgring, with the Red Bull driver plotting to enter the event in 2025.

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Max Verstappen also wants to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans – who could he race with?

It is not uncommon for F1 drivers to branch out into other series and races during the season. In 2017, Fernando Alonso missed the Monaco Grand Prix to compete in the Indianapolis 500, with Jenson Button replacing him at McLaren.

Verstappen would not miss a race if he was to compete at the Nurburgring. The event runs from 21-22 June, which falls on the weekend between the Canadian and Austrian Grand Prix.

The 24-Hour race at the iconic Eifel circuit is not the only endurance race the Dutchman has on his mind. In an interview with The Mirror, Verstappen stated he would like to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, citing Alonso has one of his preferred teammates, having previously won the event.

Verstappen and Alonso have great options to consider for a third driver, such as Charles Leclerc, Le Mans winner Nico Hulkenberg and Alex Palou. But for now, the attention is drawn to the Nurburgring and whether the Dutchman can get approval to race.