In mid-May, Austria’s record DTM race winner Lucas Auer will be competing alongside Max Verstappen in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. Their team will be fielding a Mercedes-AMG GT3, a racing car with which the Tyrolean is thoroughly familiar. In an interview, Lucas Auer told us how he is preparing for this challenge and about what connects him to the four-time Formula 1 world champion. Austrian fans will get to see him in action on home territory even earlier this year (weekend of 24th – 26th April) when he battles for victory in the DTM at the Red Bull Ring.
You raced against Max in the 2014 Formula 3 European Championship. Do you have any special memories from that season relating to him?
Luggi: That Formula 3 European Championship was an incredible year. Max was on the grid, along with Esteban Ocon, Tom Blomqvist, Felix Rosenqvist and Antonio Giovinazzi. If I remember correctly, the Top Eight from back then have all gone on to become professional racing drivers in a wide variety of motorsport classes. What do I remember about Max? That he made an immediate impression in Formula 3, was incredibly fast right from the first race – and that we had some great battles. For example, at Pau in France and at Spa. All in all, it was a really cool year with an incredible level of competition.
What emotion is uppermost in your mind – the joyful anticipation of competing in a race as team-mate to one of the best drivers of all time or the sense of pressure this brings?
Luggi: Definitely the anticipation. It’s incredible to have Max in the team, but it’s also worth noting that we have a very strong driver line-up that includes Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella. The important thing now is that we prepare as thoroughly as possible, because the Nordschleife writes its own stories. It’s certainly the toughest 24-hour race in the world. The track is really hardcore. As I said, preparation is very important – and we’re already fully immersed in it. That way, we get the most out of our package.
Looking ahead to the DTM season opener in April at the Red Bull Ring, what are the biggest differences between the two formats apart from the duration and the fact that you share a cockpit in the 24-hour race?
Luggi: Firstly, we have different regulations in the DTM, and secondly a different tyre manufacturer. That naturally changes quite a few things. The DTM is a pure sprint format – qualifying, performance pit stops, and so on – so there are certainly some differences compared to a 24-hour race.
How does your DTM car differ from the Mercedes-AMG GT3 used in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring?
Luggi: The basis is the same for both formats. There are significant differences in the regulations and the tyre manufacturer, as well as in terms of the BoP (Balance of Performance).
Car Reveal 2026
What’s the difference in the way you prepare for a DTM weekend as opposed to a 24-hour race?
Luggi: For the 24-hour race, you naturally have preparatory races with several NLS (Nurburgring Endurance Series) rounds. Preparation takes longer as a result. In the DTM, you don’t have as many opportunities for testing. In both cases, you and your team try to extract the maximum.
As a GT3 professional, what tips can you offer an F1 world champion, and in which area will Max’s experience be particularly valuable during your shared race?
Luggi: In an endurance race, all the drivers in a team must coordinate perfectly with each other. Everyone can learn something from everyone else. You have to work together, step by step, towards the big goal. A 24-hour race always requires an incredible team effort. Everyone simply has to deliver. Excellent communication and a good team atmosphere are hugely important.
From all of us here at Spielberg, we send you our best wishes for a successful outcome and look forward to seeing you both again at the Red Bull Ring.
