Daniel Ricciardo mocks Franz Hermann in M…read more
Daniel Ricciardo, the ever-charismatic former Formula 1 driver, has once again showcased his playful side, this time by taking a light-hearted jab at his former Red Bull Racing teammate, Max Verstappen. The Australian driver, who spent three entertaining and often successful seasons alongside Verstappen at Red Bull between 2016 and 2018, posted a cheeky video on Instagram that had fans and followers laughing along—including Verstappen himself.
In the Instagram clip, Ricciardo is seen behind the wheel of a tractor, and he captioned the video simply with: “Frank Hermann.” While that may sound like an obscure name to the casual observer, keen-eyed motorsport fans immediately caught the reference. It was a deliberate and humorous nod to “Franz Hermann,” the alias Verstappen had recently adopted during a Ferrari GT3 testing session at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. Verstappen, trying to keep a low profile during the event, used the pseudonym to avoid media scrutiny and public attention. However, despite his efforts to stay incognito, the disguise didn’t hold up for long. His presence and subsequent performance were soon uncovered, drawing both media attention and online buzz.
Ricciardo, known for his easygoing nature and sharp sense of humor, clearly couldn’t resist poking fun at the situation. His video cleverly mimicked the down-to-earth, incognito persona Verstappen was trying to project—though in Ricciardo’s case, the “Frank Hermann” farmer-like image was a comedic exaggeration. The post garnered plenty of laughs, with Verstappen himself joining in the fun, replying in the comments with a string of laughing face emojis. It was a wholesome interaction that underscored the continuing friendship between the two former teammates. Although they went their separate ways professionally after Ricciardo’s surprise move to Renault at the end of the 2018 season, the two have maintained a strong bond, often seen chatting and joking in the paddock during race weekends over the years.
Ricciardo, who is currently enjoying a break from active racing after being dropped by Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri) last year, has remained active on social media and in the broader motorsport conversation. Fans appreciate his candidness and comic timing, and this recent post was no exception. It highlighted not only his sense of humor but also his ability to stay relevant in the F1 world even when he’s not behind the wheel.
Meanwhile, Verstappen has been making headlines not just for the alias incident, but for his continued dominance on the racetrack. Despite the amusing attempt at anonymity, the Dutchman reminded everyone why he is considered one of the greatest talents in modern Formula 1 by setting a new lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife during the GT3 event. That achievement, remarkable given his limited experience in GT racing compared to seasoned veterans, sent ripples through the motorsport community. However, as is often the case with high-profile figures, some online critics questioned the legitimacy of his lap time, suggesting the record might have been exaggerated or not properly verified.
Unfazed by the speculation, Verstappen swiftly responded to the critics by shutting down what he described as “false” rumors. He stood firmly by his performance, reaffirming his commitment to excellence and transparency, both on and off the track. His confidence was further validated just days later when he delivered a masterclass at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, cruising to a commanding victory. It was a performance that not only silenced critics but also reinforced his status as a formidable force in the 2025 F1 season.
Despite this, Verstappen currently sits third in the drivers’ championship standings, trailing behind McLaren’s dynamic duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. With the iconic Monaco Grand Prix on the horizon, all eyes will be on the Dutch driver to see if he can close the gap and reclaim the top spot. Meanwhile, Ricciardo continues to entertain from the sidelines, reminding fans that even outside the cockpit, his presence in the sport is still felt.
The camaraderie between Ricciardo and Verstappen, blended with their competitive histories and mutual respect, adds a refreshing human element to the high-octane world of Formula 1. Moments like these—light-hearted, humorous, and steeped in shared history—are part of what makes the sport so beloved by fans worldwide. As Verstappen races toward more records and Ricciardo enjoys his time away, their ongoing interactions keep the spirit of their Red Bull days alive.
