Max Verstappen, the Dutch Formula 1 sensation, raised eyebrows as he skipped a special screening of the highly-anticipated ‘F1’ movie, opting instead to engage in some virtual racing under the alias “Franz Hermann.” While the elite of the F1 world gathered for a VIP showing of the film featuring Hollywood star Brad Pitt, Verstappen was notably absent, choosing to immerse himself in the world of esports with Team Redline.
The ‘F1’ movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski, follows the journey of Sonny Hayes, played by Pitt, as he navigates the tumultuous world of Formula 1 alongside a rookie prodigy named Joshua Pearce. Shot during real F1 race weekends, the film promises to give viewers an inside look at the high-stakes drama on and off the track.
Despite missing out on the movie premiere, Verstappen’s virtual alter ego, Franz Hermann, continued to make waves in the gaming world, showcasing his skills in iRacing with Team Redline. This comes on the heels of Verstappen’s secret outing at the Nordschleife, where he stunned fans by lapping the track in a Ferrari 296 GT3 incognito.
While Verstappen’s absence may have surprised some, his commitment to both real and virtual racing remains unwavering. As his fellow drivers shared their thoughts on the ‘F1’ movie – with reactions ranging from “pretty good” to “a great one” – Verstappen’s focus on perfecting his craft in the digital realm proves that his competitive spirit knows no bounds.
With the Monaco Grand Prix on the horizon, all eyes will be on Verstappen as he looks to translate his virtual success into real-world victories on the iconic streets of Monte Carlo. Whether as himself or his alter ego, Franz Hermann, one thing is certain – Max Verstappen is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the track.
