Reigning DTM manufacturers’ champion Mercedes-AMG Motorsport has confirmed that it will field an unchanged driver line-up this year, split across its factory-supported Team Landgraf and Winward Racing squads.
Lucas Auer and Tom Kalender both return to Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf, whilst Maro Engel and Jules Gounon will again compete for Mercedes-AMG Team Winward Racing.
2025 drivers’ championship runner-up Auer is still seeking his maiden title, as he enters his 11th season in the series. The 31-year-old won two of the first three races last year, and although no more victories followed, the Austrian was the only driver to finish in the points in every race, and led the championship as late as the final lap of the season.
“It’s no secret that the DTM is a bit like home for me in motorsport. So, I’m really looking forward to the new season,” Auer commented.
“I’m going into my second year with Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf – we got off to a strong start in 2025 and had an incredibly intense, enjoyable and successful season. We want to build on that in 2026 and go on the offensive again.”
Kalender enters his second season in the DTM off the back of a strong finish to his rookie campaign. The 17-year-old Mercedes-AMG Junior Driver finished a career-best fifth in the Hockenheimring finale, and won the ‘Rookie of the Year’ classification in two of the final three races.
“2025 was my rookie year, with some good races, but also a few setbacks, from which I learned a lot,” the German said.
“I now want to put what I’ve learned into practice even better, get closer to the other Mercedes-AMG drivers and consistently establish myself in the top 10. I’ve worked hard over the winter – both physically and mentally – and am going into the new season with a little less pressure. I’ll be turning 18 four weeks before the first race. Knowing that I’ll be able to drive to the race track on my own and be more independent gives me extra peace of mind and motivation for the coming season.”
Engel has changed number for 2026, with the 40-year-old now utilising the #80 in honour of title sponsor Ravenol’s 80th anniversary. The Mercedes-AMG veteran, who will compete under the ‘Mercedes-AMG Team Ravenol’ banner this year, has finished third in the drivers’ championship for the past two seasons, with consistency proving to be the key for his title challenges.
“The DTM is motorsport at the very highest level – an enormous challenge, thrilling battles and racing at the absolute limit. That’s exactly what I’m excited for,” Engel said.
“Together with Mercedes-AMG Team RAVENOL, I can look back on two successful years. We know what we are capable of, but I am also convinced that we can improve even further. We want to focus on that, and we will give it our all. The big goal is the DTM title. I can’t reveal too much yet, but together with my partner RAVENOL, we have come up with a very special design. I’m looking forward to it, and the fans can too.”
And Gounon is entering his second full season in the DTM, once again with the backing of MANN-FILTER. The 31-year-old scored three podium finishes last season and remained in title contention until the final weekend.
The Andorran-flagged racer said, “DTM is a championship I truly enjoy because it’s all-out. Everything is about performance and building a strong bond between driver and crew, working together for that final tenth. When you achieve a strong result in DTM, it feels like a real sensation. The competition is incredibly tight, and most of the best GT drivers in the world are on the grid. That’s exactly what I love about it.
“My goal for this year is to give everything, with no regrets, and to approach the season race by race. Last year was the first time for me in DTM and the first time I worked with my engineer. Now I know the series better, and we know each other much better. Our aim is to build on what we started last season. It wasn’t always easy, but those challenging moments are when you learn the most. Hopefully, that experience will help us throughout the 2026 season.”
Mercedes-AMG enters 2026 targeting a record-extending 17th DTM manufacturers’ championship, and 13th drivers’ crown.
Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, commented: “The DTM is a special platform – and has been for over 40 years. With almost 550 race entries and 16 manufacturers’ titles, we are the most successful brand in the DTM. We are very proud of that. After winning the drivers’ title in 2021, our clear goal is to bring the championship back to Affalterbach.
“With two runner-up finishes in recent years, we have come very close twice. After last year’s disappointing end to the season, it was important for us to seek open and constructive dialogue with the ADAC. For 2026, we would like to see conditions that are transparent and reliable for all involved, so that sporting competition remains the focus until the very end.”
The 2026 DTM season begins at the Red Bull Ring, Austria on 24th to 26th April 2026.
Images courtesy of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport
