The Swiss racing team Emil Frey Racing has officially announced its roadmap for the 2026 Deutsche Tourenwagen-Masters and GT World Challenge Europe season. Entering its fourth year with Ferrari, the team is bringing major changes, driver line-up.

Cairoli begins new chapter with Emil Frey

Matteo Cairoli will join the Swiss team, Emil Frey Racing, where he will drive a Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo, filling the seat previously occupied by Jack Aitken.

It has also been confirmed that Cairoli will contest the DTM for the first time as part of the squad’s two-car entry, alongside Thierry Vermeulen, who continues in the second Ferrari for a fourth season. In addition, the Italian driver, who was the runner-up in last year’s GTWC Europe Endurance Cup, will join Konsta Lappalainen for the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup, partnering with BWT. Cairoli will use the same car number previously used by Jack Aitken in both DTM and GTWC Europe.

Matteo Cairoli said, “I am very grateful to Emil Frey Racing and proud of this opportunity. I believe that together we can form a strong combination” Despite being aware of his status as a newcomer who must adapt quickly to unfamiliar cars and racing environments, he still carries big ambition to achieve success. Through strong teamwork and a strong learning spirit, he is determined to enjoy every moment on track while proving his competitive abilities.

Vermeulen steps up to pro

Meanwhile, Verstappen Racing has officially confirmed its continued support for 23-year-old Dutch driver Thierry Vermeulen for the 2026 season. After an impressive 2025 season winning the Gold Cup GT World Challenge Europe standings and finishing on the podium in the DTM, Vermeulen will return to Emil Frey Racing for the fourth consecutive year.

He will drive a Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo in Red Bull’s signature livery in both DTM and the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Championship. This year, Vermeulen will join Ben Green, a British driver who showed an impressive year in both DTM and GT World Challenge Asia. The Ferrari #69 is moving up to the PRO category as the reigning Gold Cup champion with the clear goal of regularly establishing itself in the top rankings.

Ahead of this ambitious season, Vermeulen has openly stated his lofty goal of securing a maiden DTM victory. In an interview, he expressed his pride in his team’s consistency: “I am delighted to be starting our fourth year together with Emil Frey Racing. I really feel like part of the family.”

2026 Team Outlook

Lorenz Frey-Hilti, Team Principal of Emil Frey Racing, emphasized renewal and optimism for the 2026 season through technical collaboration and new partnerships.The team’s main focus is on the use of the latest Evo package from Ferrari, new tyres from Pirelli, and the official partnership with BWT as the main sponsor for car number 14.

In addition to expressing appreciation for Jack Aitken’s contribution over the past five years, the team now has high hopes for Matteo Cairoli as a new driver who is considered to bring added value through his speed and extensive experience to face competition in both DTM and GTWC Europe.

View the full 2026 DTM entry list here