Matteo Cairoli will make his long-awaited debut in the DTM in 2026, at the Red Bull Ring, joining Emil Frey Racing as part of a major reset for the Swiss outfit.
The team enters its fourth DTM campaign with a refreshed line-up and two brand-new Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo cars, marking a transformative step as it looks to build on its six race victories to date. Cairoli will partner Thierry Vermeulen, combining experience with continuity as the team pushes forward.
Speaking exclusively to Pit Debrief ahead of the new season, Cairoli outlined his motivation, expectations and the challenge of adapting to one of the most competitive grids in GT racing.
A long-awaited opportunity
For Cairoli, joining the DTM grid in 2026 marks the fulfilment of a long-standing ambition. The 29-year-old brings extensive international experience, having competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA, as well as claiming overall victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2021.
Despite that pedigree, the Italian approaches his DTM debut with both humility and determination.
“Already the fact to join the DTM grid for me is super exciting,” he said. “I remember when in 2013 I saw it for the first time personally, and it has always been one of my goals to achieve in my career, and I’m really motivated to squeeze myself as much as possible to perform at the highest level.”
“So I’m very thankful for being able to participate, but I really hope at the same time that I can participate in a good manner, in a proper way, let’s say, of being successful.”
Building a strong team dynamic
Cairoli will share the garage with Vermeulen, who continues with Emil Frey Racing after establishing himself as a consistent driver in recent seasons. The Dutch driver secured three podiums and two pole positions last year, providing a strong reference point within the team.
Early signs suggest a positive working relationship between the two drivers, something Cairoli believes will be crucial as the team adapts to new machinery.
“With Thierry, I’ve known him since not a long time, basically since the end of last year. We are pretty similar in terms of feedback and feeling with the car, at least when we drove the same car and shared it for some testing.”
“So I think from both sides, in terms of feedback and stuff like this, there is full transparency. Of course, once we start racing there will be competition going on. In my case, I will try to play fair with all the drivers, especially with my team-mates, and I hope it will be the same for him.”
“But it’s important to keep focus on myself, and then the rest we will see.”
Adapting to new machinery and variables
At the heart of Emil Frey Racing’s 2026 campaign sits the Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo, an upgraded version of the car, featuring aerodynamic and mechanical refinements aimed at improving overall performance and balance.
However, the challenge extends beyond the car itself. The introduction of new Pirelli tyres adds another layer of complexity, leaving teams with limited reference points as they prepare for the season.
For Cairoli, that means learning quickly and adapting his endurance racing experience to the sprint format of the DTM.
Facing one of the toughest grids in GT racing
The DTM’s reputation as one of the most competitive championships in GT racing is not lost on Cairoli. He expects extremely fine margins and believes consistency will define success.
“DTM is for sure the trickiest GT racing in the world from my point of view, also because it allows you to prepare things differently compared to others,” he stated. “The level is so high that the margins are very, very small.”
“For me, the main goal or the main key is to try always to finish every race. That’s the rule number one I impose on myself for this year. At the same time, I want to qualify as far up the front as possible, because from there you have way more chances to potentially finish higher than expected, or you have less risk to deal with.”
“It’s really important for me to try to squeeze out always the maximum potential of the car and myself in qualifying. That’s, for me, the difference that makes a strong result in the end.”
A measured approach to expectations
Despite his ambition, Cairoli has deliberately avoided setting specific targets for his debut DTM campaign in 2026. Instead, he has chosen to focus on integration, learning and steady progression within the team.
“To be honest, I have no goal in the sense that I didn’t point a particular result to achieve. I simply want to finish the season as happy as possible and with a positive vibe,” he admitted.
“It’s really important to try to learn as quickly as possible and to get in touch with the team in a very solid manner. The rest we will see. I don’t really focus on the results at the moment.”
That mindset aligns with Emil Frey Racing’s broader approach, as the team balances continuity with fresh ambition heading into the new season.
Looking beyond the season
While Cairoli’s immediate focus remains on adapting to the DTM, his long-term outlook remains open.
“Let’s see how I go this year, and then I will think about the future.”
As Emil Frey Racing embarks on a new chapter with a strengthened driver line-up, Cairoli represents a key part of its ambitions. His experience, combined with a clear focus on development, could prove vital as the team looks to take the next step in the DTM.
The challenge is significant, but so is the opportunity.
