The Formula 1 world is once again upside down by the actions of Max Verstappen, who has caused a storm of speculation under his alter ego ‘Franz Hermann’. While the Formula 1 community in Monaco was collected for the exclusive premiere of the long-awaited $ 1 billion film ‘F1 The Movie’, Verstappen was spotted on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, where he secretly tested an Aston Martin GT3 car. This unexpected move, who coincided with the absence of the Dutchman in the film screening, has led to a wave of reactions, ranging from admiration to speculation about his future in sport. Fans and analysts wonder: what does this test mean for Verstappen and his bond with Red Bull?The test on Spa, which was recorded by fans and distributed via social media, showed Verstappen behind the wheel of an Aston Martin Vantage GT3, a car used by its own racing team, Verstappen.com Racing, for the GT World Challenge Europe. The names of drivers Thierry Vermeulen, Chris Lulham and Harry King were on the car, but it was clear that Verstappen carried out the test himself. The Dutchman, who previously rode a test on the Nürburgring Nordschleife under the name ‘Franz Hermann’, seems to be further developing his passion for GT3 racing. “Max likes racing, point out,” said a fan on X, while another jokingly noticed: “While everyone in Monaco watches a movie, Franz Hermann is driving laps again!”However, the timing of the test is what the most eyebrows frowned. At the same time when 18 out of 20 Formula 1 drivers in Monaco were present at the premiere of ‘F1 The Movie’, Verstappen chose to stay at home and to simrac, and then travel to Spa. The film, starring Brad Pitt and a budget of $ 1 billion, was widely criticized by Verstappen, who described its promotion as “annoying”. “I have little interest in that kind of events,” he said in an interview. “I focus on racing, and my time at home is valuable, especially now that I am a father.” His absence was noticed, especially because Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll was also missing, which further stimulated the speculation about a possible connection with the British team.The rumors about a switch from Verstappen to Aston Martin are not new. Earlier this year, The Daily Mail reported that Aston Martin would have prepared an astronomical offer of $ 1 billion to tie Verstappen, a claim that was denied by the team. Yet the ties between Verstappen and Aston Martin have become stronger. With Adrian Newey, former Red Bull designer, who now works for Aston Martin, and the arrival of Honda as a motor supplier in 2026, the team is seen as a potential destination for the Dutchman. Moreover, the Saudi state investment fund PIF, which works closely with Aston Martin, has the financial strength to finance a deal of this size. “It is no secret that Aston Martin has big plans,” wrote La Gazzetta Dello Sport. “With Newey, Honda and a mega budget, Verstappen can be the key to their success.”Nevertheless, Verstappen emphasizes that his contact with Aston Martin Puur is all about his GT3 project. “The only thing I spoke to with them was the Vantage GT3 for my team,” he said in London. “Those stories about a Formula 1 deal are exaggerated.” Despite this denial, the speculations persist, especially since Verstappen is only under contract with Red Bull until 2028, with clauses that make a departure possible. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has expressed confidence that Verstappen will remain, but the unrest within the team, partly due to the recent performance tip, keeps the rumors alive.For fans, the Spa test is a typical example of Verstappen’s dedication to racing. “He does what he likes to do, regardless of what the world thinks,” wrote a supporter on X. But the timing, combined with his absence in the film premiere, has only fueled the speculation about his future. Is Verstappen simply a driver who follows his passion, or does he hint to a larger move towards Aston Martin? With the Grand Prix of Austria on the way, where Verstappen may risk a suspension through penalty points, the Dutchman remains the center of the Formula 1 discussion. Whatever the truth is, ‘Franz Hermann’ has again proven that he always causes a stir, both on and next to the job.