Verstappen Racing driver Thierry Vermeulen announces 2026 campaign

Published on 02 March 2026 by Niels Hendrix

Verstappen Racing confirms that it will continue to support Verstappen Racing driver Thierry Vermeulen throughout the 2026 season, as the 23-year-old Dutchman embarks on another ambitious year of GT3 racing. Following a strong 2025 season, highlighted by pole positions and podium finishes in DTM at the Norisring and Red Bull Ring, and securing P1 in the GT World Challenge Europe Gold Cup drivers’ standings, Thierry Vermeulen continues to establish himself as a force in GT3 racing.

For the fourth year in succession, Vermeulen will team up with Emil Frey Racing, to compete in both the 2026 DTM Championship and the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Championship. He will drive the Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo in distinctive Red Bull livery, continuing the successful collaboration between driver, team and manufacturer.

Thierry Vermeulen, a Red Bull athlete, said: "I feel truly part of the team, I also made my DTM debut with Emil Frey Racing. It's great to continue together. This year, we are also driving the Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo and hopefully it performs well in DTM. The first goal is to win a race. That's very important to me. I want to show that it's possible. Last year, we had a few opportunities to accomplish that, but for various reasons, it didn't work out. Besides that, I just want to be consistent. I really believe we are fast enough, that we have the potential to be at the front all year long."

In the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint, Vermeulen will share the car with co-driver Ben Green. The Sprint format is intense and the short races will provide a strong platform for Vermeulen to showcase his talent.

Thierry Vermeulen continued: "My goal is to finish in the top three in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint championship. We know it will not be easy and we simply have to have a very solid year to achieve that. But the goals are there and we are working hard to try and achieve them. I'm proud to be pushing for good results as a full-time driver with Emil Frey Racing, learning together and getting the most out of it."

The 2026 programme marks a significant step forward in Vermeulen’s career, with the dual-championship campaign providing further opportunities to strengthen his presence at the front of highly competitive GT3 grids. Verstappen Racing will continue to play an active role in supporting his preparation and performance throughout the season.

Max Verstappen added: “It’s really nice to see Thierry continuing with Emil Frey Racing. He made good progression last year and the speed is clearly there, so now it’s about putting everything together. With the experience he is building in the DTM and GT World Challenge Europe, I’m confident he can fight at the front. We’ll keep supporting him from Verstappen Racing and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish in 2026.”