As reported by Sportscar365, Haupt Racing Team (HRT) has confirmed that managing director Ulrich Fritz has become a shareholder of the organisation, marking a significant step in the team’s ongoing evolution within international GT and endurance racing.
Fritz, who previously served as CEO of HWA AG, has led HRT since 2021. Now, alongside his managerial duties, he will take on an expanded strategic role and play a more direct part in shaping the team’s long-term direction.
Rapid growth since formation
Since its establishment in 2020, HRT has developed into a competitive force across multiple major championships. Under Fritz’s leadership, the team has expanded its technical operations and strengthened its manufacturer relationships, most notably through its partnership with Ford Performance in GT3 racing.
As a result, HRT now competes across a wide range of top-tier series, including the Intercontinental GT Challenge, GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, DTM, ADAC GT Masters, and the Nürburgring 24 Hours and 24 Hours of Spa.
This broad portfolio has positioned HRT as a versatile and ambitious organisation within global motorsport.
Strategic investment and ownership shift
While the financial details of Fritz’s stake have not been disclosed, the team confirmed it represents a “significant” share of the company. The majority ownership remains with the Hubert Haupt family.
Haupt originally founded the team in 2020 and briefly sold his stake at the end of 2023. However, he continued to contribute in both an advisory capacity and as an active driver, maintaining a close connection to the organisation’s sporting direction.
Now, with the Haupt family back in majority control and Fritz entering ownership, the structure reflects a renewed commitment to stability and long-term growth.
Fritz on a natural progression as HRT outlines future ambitions
Ulrich Fritz described his move into ownership as a logical extension of his role within the team, highlighting his long-standing involvement in its development.
“Becoming a co-owner is a completely logical step for me,” said Fritz. “From the very beginning, I’ve run HRT as if it was my own company: with a lot of passion and a commitment to sustainable, healthy growth.
He also emphasised that the investment will allow him to take on greater responsibility in shaping the organisation’s direction moving forward.
“This investment now gives me the opportunity to play an even more active role in shaping HRT’s future.”
Hubert Haupt welcomed the development, highlighting Fritz’s influence on both the competitive and operational success of the team. He further credited Fritz with strengthening the organisation across multiple areas of performance and structure.
“Ulrich Fritz has played a pivotal role in the development of HRT over the past few years,” said Haupt. “He has made a decisive contribution to our sporting and economical achievements. His involvement sends an important signal regarding our stable future development, with clear ambitions in international motorsports and beyond.”
Ultimately, Fritz’s entry into ownership marks a significant consolidation of leadership within HRT. With a stable shareholder structure now in place and established manufacturer partnerships in GT racing, the team is positioning itself for sustained competitiveness across multiple championships.
As HRT continues to expand its footprint in global motorsport, this move reinforces both continuity and ambition for the years ahead.
