MAX VERSTAPPEN’S German alter-ego Franz Hermann will retire this weekend with the Dutchman back in action at one of the world’s most dangerous tracks. In May, motor-sport fans were left scratching their heads when an unknown driver called Hermann set a blistering track record on the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Shutterstock EditorialVerstappen used the pseudoname Franz Hermann at the Nurburgring in May[/caption]Turns out it was none other than four-time world champion Verstappen who was testing the waters in a Ferrari 296 GT3. The Dutchman went incognito to avoid fans noticing him and he chose the name as he wanted to “make it really German.”Sadly this weekend Hermann will have to retire as this time Verstappen has to race under his real name as he pushes to obtain a Grade A Permit for the Nordschleife. He is taking part in Germany’s Nurburgring Endurance Series inbetween F1 Grands Prix, Monza and Baku. The Nuburgring is a merciless 13-mile track with terrifying twists, turns, and dips. It is arguably the most dangerous track in the world and a holy grail for motor-sport drivers despite claiming the lives of just under 70 stars.The event will mark the first time Verstappen has taken part in an official race there. Before he can race a GT3 Ferrari on the Nordschleife, Verstappen must complete a mandatory course and take part in a race in a less powerful car. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKReports are suggesting that he will run a Porsche Cayman GT4 for Lionspeed GP to secure his permit.Verstappen told SunSport back in June that dipping his toes in other areas of motorsport is keeping his passion alive in F1. He is also focused on his growing family of girlfriend, Kelly, the daughter of former F1 world champion Nelson Piquet, their daughter Lily and his step daughter Penelope, who are based in Monaco.If all goes smoothly this weekend then Verstappen will return on September 27 with Swiss team Emil Frey Racing for a full NLS outing in the Ferrari 296 Gt3. It would be his first official GT3 race on the 12.9-mile circuit. Last weekend Verstappen made McLaren look like mugs by notching the fastest lap in F1 history in Monza qualifying before winning the fastest race in the sport’s history.