Kimi Antonelli has followed Max Verstappen’s example by using a playful pseudonym during a karting event in Germany, appearing on the timing screens as “Franz Antonelli”. The name was an unmistakable nod to the four-time Formula 1 World Champion’s famous “Franz Hermann” alias, which Max Verstappen previously used during a Nürburgring Nordschleife test.
The light-hearted reference brings together two drivers who have developed a strong mutual respect despite currently finding themselves in very different situations in Formula 1. Kimi Antonelli enters the second half of the 2026 season leading the World Championship, while Max Verstappen has increasingly explored opportunities to race outside F1 alongside his Red Bull commitments.
Kimi Antonelli follows Max Verstappen’s ‘Franz Hermann’ example
The fake name “Franz Hermann” attracted worldwide attention in May 2025 when Max Verstappen used the pseudonym in an attempt to keep a relatively low profile during an official Nürburgring Endurance Series test at the Nordschleife.
Max Verstappen drove a Ferrari 296 GT3 during the test as part of his growing interest in endurance racing. That interest eventually led him to the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2026, where Max Verstappen and his team-mates had been in contention at the front before a technical problem compromised their challenge.
Kimi Antonelli has now taken inspiration from Max Verstappen’s creativity. During a karting event in Germany, the Mercedes driver entered under a name that made the reference impossible to miss.
At the top of the timing and classification screens appeared “Franz Antonelli”, the pseudonym chosen by Kimi Antonelli for the event. Unlike a serious attempt to conceal his identity, the name effectively advertised the joke by directly borrowing the first name from Verstappen’s previous alias.
Antonelli and Verstappen share a mutual respect
The reference is particularly fitting given the relationship between the two drivers. Max Verstappen has been among those to publicly recognise how much Kimi Antonelli has improved, with the Dutchman praising the Italian’s performances during his remarkable second Formula 1 season.
That progress has transformed Kimi Antonelli from a rookie facing considerable pressure into the championship leader. His development has already earned praise from Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, both of whom highlighted the strength and consistency of his 2026 campaign.
The two also share an enthusiasm for racing beyond the conventional Formula 1 environment. Max Verstappen’s interest in GT competition is well established, while Kimi Antonelli grew up around motorsport and remains keen to spend time behind the wheel whenever an opportunity arises.
Kimi Antonelli returns to F1 with a 50-point championship lead
The karting outing offers Kimi Antonelli a brief change of pace before the serious business of the Formula 1 title fight resumes at Zandvoort.
The Mercedes driver currently holds a 50-point advantage over Lewis Hamilton and will have to defend that lead throughout the second half of the season. With the championship returning in the Netherlands, the focus will quickly shift from “Franz Antonelli” back to what Kimi Antonelli must do to convert his advantage into the 2026 World Championship.
The Italian is chasing an extraordinary achievement. Kimi Antonelli will turn 20 at the end of August and, in only his second Formula 1 season, has the opportunity to become World Champion at the age of 20.
For now, however, the championship leader has found time for a little humour during the summer break. Max Verstappen had “Franz Hermann”; Kimi Antonelli has responded with “Franz Antonelli”. The disguise may not have been particularly convincing, but that was clearly part of the joke.
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