- Mercedes reduces DTM involvement to four factory-supported AMG GT3s for 2024 season.
- Retains seasoned professional drivers Lucas Auer, Maro Engel, and Luca Stolz, along with newcomer Arjun Maini.
- Departure of Landgraf team results in Mercedes’ DTM lineup comprising HRT and Winward teams, with Engel transitioning to Winward.
Mercedes is scaling back its involvement in the DTM for the 2024 season, opting to field only four factory-supported AMG GT3s.
Despite this reduction, the German manufacturer is retaining all three of its seasoned professional drivers for the upcoming year. Lucas Auer, a nine-time race winner, Maro Engel, who clinched victories at Nurburgring and Macau GT, and former GT World Challenge champion Luca Stolz will continue to represent Mercedes in the category.
Joining them in Mercedes’ 2024 DTM lineup is 26-year-old Arjun Maini, recently promoted to ‘Performance’ driver status within the marque’s factory GT roster.
However, two drivers, David Schumacher and Jusuf Owega, have been dropped from Mercedes’ DTM program. Despite this, both are expected to participate in other championships and races under the Stuttgart brand.
Schumacher, son of former Formula 1 and DTM ace Ralf, faced speculation about losing his seat after two lackluster seasons, marked by just one top-10 finish and criticism from peers regarding driving standards.
Owega had a relatively successful rookie campaign, earning points in half of the races and securing 22nd place in the championship standings.
With the departure of the Landgraf team, Mercedes’ DTM lineup now comprises only HRT and Winward teams. Engel will transition to Winward, replacing the departing Schumacher, alongside Auer, now an established presence at Winward. Stolz and Maini will continue at Hubert Haupt’s squad.
Mercedes’ presence in the DTM is notably diminished compared to previous years, with only four drivers and two teams. This contrasts with its return to the championship in 2021, which saw factory support for seven cars, the highest among manufacturers.
Stefan Wendl, head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing, acknowledged the car’s competitiveness but cited the inability to contend for the title in the previous DTM season. The reduction in the number of factory-supported cars to four in 2024 reflects budgetary considerations.
Stolz was Mercedes’ top-performing driver in the 2023 standings, finishing sixth overall with a single victory at the Sachsenring.
