Maro Engel left the opening DTM race at the Norisring satisfied after finishing second behind Nicki Thiim and returning to the 2026 championship lead.
The Mercedes-AMG driver started on the front row and challenged Thiim at the start, but the Aston Martin driver held firm before controlling an eventful race interrupted by Safety Car and red flag periods. The German driver then brought home second, while Arjun Maini completed the podium.
Engel praises Thiim after strong victory drive
Engel felt Mercedes-AMG executed its Race 1 programme well after a more difficult Lausitzring weekend. However, he also accepted that Thiim had the edge on Saturday.
“Yeah, very satisfied with today. Really, I think we executed very well, got the most out of our package, and yeah, fair play. Nicki was just a little bit better today, and the strongest. So he deserved to win. Very impressive what he was managing to do also in the race, considering the 10-kilo extra ballast he was carrying from the race. So yeah, hats off to him.
“At the same time, we’re very happy with our day, and what we managed to put together.”
That answer reflected Engel’s wider view of the race. He wanted victory, but he also recognised the value of a clean podium finish around a circuit where incidents quickly changed the order.
Engel says second place was the maximum
The race gave Engel more than one opportunity to apply pressure, especially after the interruption created another restart scenario. Nevertheless, Thiim defended the lead well and denied him a clear opening.
“I certainly tried, but yeah, he didn’t give me any opportunities. Like I said, very strong drive from his side, and no opportunities apart from the short moment where we were side-by-side at the start. There was no other moment where I had any chance to make a move.
“So yeah, on days like these, I think you need to take what’s possible, and today the maximum for us was P2, and so very satisfied with it.”
Engel and Thiim ran side by side at the launch, but Thiim emerged ahead through Turn 1. From there, Engel stayed within range at points, yet the race never fully opened a passing chance for him. As a result, he focused on maximising points rather than forcing a low-percentage move.
Mercedes-AMG momentum gives Engel confidence for Race 2
Engel also looked ahead to Sunday with cautious optimism. Mercedes-AMG showed pace across the weekend, with Engel on the podium and Lucas Auer finishing fourth after pressuring Maini late in Race 1.
“Yeah, going to give it another red-hot go. Try and extract the maximum from our package. I think everyone’s seen that there might be some weather, so let’s wait and see. Might spice things up. But for sure, another great day of racing, another great day of DTM racing, and hopefully no further incidents like we saw today.”
The possibility of changing weather could add another layer to Race 2. However, Engel’s target remains straightforward: extract everything from the car, avoid unnecessary trouble, and keep building momentum after a strong Norisring Saturday.
