Emil Frey Racing has confirmed a major change ahead of the 2026 DTM season, as the Swiss squad welcomes Matteo Cairoli to its driver line-up. At the same time, the team will field two brand-new Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo cars in what promises to be a transformative year.
The Italian joins the team with vast international experience and will partner returning Dutch driver Thierry Vermeulen. As a result, Emil Frey Racing enters its fourth DTM campaign determined to build on its six race victories to date.
Cairoli brings world-class experience to Emil Frey for 2026 DTM campaign
Cairoli, born on 1 June 1996, has built an impressive career across endurance and GT racing. He currently competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship and previously raced in the IMSA SportsCar Championship as a Lamborghini factory driver.
Notably, he claimed overall victory at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2021. Earlier in his career, he secured the 2014 Porsche Carrera Cup Italia title and earned Porsche Junior status, underlining his pedigree from an early stage. Now, however, he faces a fresh challenge in the DTM.
“I am very grateful to Emil Frey Racing and proud to have been given this opportunity,” said the 29-year-old, who lines up in a Ferrari sporting the livery of DTM series partner BWT. “I believe we can form a strong package together. As both the DTM and the car are new to me, my main focus will be on learning as fast as possible. I can hardly wait to get started, to enjoy every moment, and to show what we are capable of out on the track!”
Therefore, Cairoli will aim to translate his endurance racing expertise into sprint success as quickly as possible.
Vermeulen continues his Emil Frey journey with 2026 DTM return
Meanwhile, Vermeulen remains a central figure in the team’s project. The Dutchman has raced for Emil Frey Racing in the DTM since 2023 and continues to develop into a consistent front-runner.
Last season, he secured three podium finishes and twice started from pole position. In addition, he continues to benefit from close ties to the Verstappen camp, with support from four-time F1 World Champion Max Verstappen.
“I am so thrilled to be starting for Emil Frey Racing in our fourth year together,” said the 23-year-old, whose Ferrari will beam in the Red Bull colours, a nod to the Red Bull Racing design from Formula 1. “I really feel part of the family. We have worked very closely together over the winter. We went back over the past few years and analysed our weaknesses and strengths.“
He concluded, “We are now ready for a new season together.”
Consequently, Vermeulen enters 2026 with renewed confidence and a clear understanding of where improvements must come.
A new Ferrari for a new chapter
At the heart of Emil Frey Racing’s 2026 campaign sits the Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo, an extensively upgraded version of Ferrari’s GT3 contender. Engineers have focused particularly on aerodynamic development, introducing significant chassis modifications to improve efficiency and balance.
However, the new season introduces more than just a revised car. The championship will also feature new Pirelli tyres, adding another variable to an already evolving package. Lorenz Frey-Hilti, team principal at Emil Frey Racing, acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead.
“There are many new factors in the 2026 season: a new Evo package from Ferrari, new Pirelli tyres, and a new driver in our team. We are happy to welcome Matteo Cairoli to the team. With his wealth of experience and his speed, he is going to be a valuable addition for us.”
Emil Frey building on momentum for 2026 DTM campaign
Ultimately, Emil Frey Racing combines continuity with fresh ambition. On one side of the garage, Vermeulen provides stability and accumulated DTM knowledge. On the other, Cairoli injects international endurance expertise and proven winning credentials.
As a result, the Swiss outfit approaches 2026 with cautious optimism. While new machinery and new regulations inevitably bring uncertainty, the team believes it has assembled a strong foundation for success.
Now, all eyes turn to the season opener, where Emil Frey Racing will begin its latest bid to climb even higher in the DTM order.
