Mirko Bortolotti’s 2025 campaign illustrates the striking duality of modern GT racing. Drivers battle one another aggressively in sprint categories such as DTM, yet only days later share a cockpit in some of the world’s most demanding endurance events. Throughout the season, Bortolotti showcased his trademark versatility as he raced with Abt Sportsline in DTM, represented Automobili Lamborghini Squadra Corse in IMSA’s GTP class, competed with GRT Grasser Racing Team in the GTWC Europe Endurance Cup, and joined Oregon Team for selected International GT Open outings.
Switching between rivalry and cooperation demanded more than pace alone. It required professionalism, clarity and strong mutual trust. Speaking exclusively to Pit Debrief, Bortolotti reflected on this balance, especially in relation to Jordan Pepper and Luca Engstler—his teammates in the GTWC Europe Endurance Cup and direct opponents in DTM.
Balancing rivals and teammates across championships
Across the year, he managed this contrast with impressive composure. Fierce battles in DTM stood in sharp contrast with the teamwork that carried the trio to one of Lamborghini’s most significant achievements: victory at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. As the long season draws to a close, Bortolotti explains the mindset behind his seamless transitions between rival and teammate.
“Yeah, well, of course, this year, we race in two different teams. Also, last year was a different team. It’s our job to be in the team where we get designated and to do the best with that team on that weekend. That’s what we’re getting paid for by the manufacturer.”
Whether competing in sprint or endurance machinery, he focused entirely on the team he represented that weekend.
“At the end of the day, first of all, we are professionals and we focus on our job, which is to drive the car they give us and the car we get at our disposal. The designation this year for me was to be in a different team compared to GT in DTM.”
A year of constant transitions
The 2025 calendar required Bortolotti to switch rapidly between technical environments, engineering groups and organisational cultures. Despite this, he approached each race weekend as a self-contained challenge demanding full focus.
“Basically, you just walk in, do the best you can with the people you work with. Then the next weekend, you’re together on the car trying to go for common goals.”
This mindset proved essential in GTWC Europe Endurance Cup. After early setbacks at Paul Ricard and Monza, the GRT line-up regrouped and built momentum, culminating in Lamborghini’s first-ever Spa 24 Hours victory, and eventually, P5 in the championship.
Rivals in DTM, united in GTWC Europe
The contrast between DTM and endurance competition stood out throughout the year. Pepper finished P7 in the DTM standings, Engstler P12 and Bortolotti P14—evidence of the intensity and closeness of their battles.
“For me, it’s quite a natural thing. It’s nothing really special. We race each other hard but fair when we are not in the same car.”
However, despite the innate rivalry in DTM, their ability to collaborate in endurance racing never faltered. Transparency remained essential to their success, especially at Spa.
“At the same time, we try to learn the maximum from each other without having any secrets, trying to help each other out when we are together because the goal is to be on the top step, all three of us, as we did in Spa. That’s the way it is.”
Their united approach anchored their historic success in the Ardennes and reinforced the strength of their partnership whenever they raced under the same banner.
A season that reinforced his strengths
As the 2025 season concludes, Bortolotti emerges once again as a driver defined by adaptability, discipline and a clear competitive mindset. His ability to race hard against certain drivers one weekend and rely on them the next reflects years of experience as a factory professional. From DTM duels to GT3 battles across Europe, he balanced multiple programmes without compromise. The year delivered challenges, breakthroughs and, most notably, a landmark victory at Spa—further cementing his position as one of Lamborghini’s valuable assets.
