Arjun Maini enters the 2026 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) season with a clear sense of purpose and a new rookie teammate in Finn Wiebelhaus beside him, as he continues his tenure with Haupt Racing Team (HRT). As a Ford factory driver, Maini carries not only experience but also the responsibility of helping to push the Mustang GT3 platform forward in an increasingly competitive GT racing landscape.
In an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief ahead of his 2026 campaign, Maini reflected on the progress made in 2025, the importance of team dynamics, and the opportunities that lie ahead as HRT aims to establish itself at the front of the grid.
Maini and HRT building on momentum from 2025 as they target 2026 DTM success
Maini approaches the new campaign encouraged by the trajectory HRT established during the previous season. While outright results may not have fully reflected the team’s potential, steady development laid a strong foundation heading into 2026.
“Yeah, I think what really excites me is how much progress we made throughout the season last year. And of course, we have the Evo package for the Ford Mustang GT3 now. So yeah, we’re excited to see how that’s going to cope and go against our competitors.”
This sense of progression proves particularly significant given the competitive nature of the DTM, where marginal gains often determine race outcomes. Consequently, the introduction of the Evo package represents not just an upgrade, but a key step in HRT’s broader development strategy.
Furthermore, Maini highlights the emotional and competitive significance of returning to racing after the off-season.
“Overall, I think I’m just excited to go racing again. It’s been quite a long break. And yeah, it’s going to be an exciting season. It’s a mix up of the calendar. There’re races that are happening at different times, which means the temperatures are going to be a lot different to last year. So, it’s going to be curious because I think there’s going to be a shuffle up in terms of which car is quick and which track because of that.”
The revised calendar introduces new variables, particularly with changing temperatures affecting tyre behaviour, car balance, and overall performance. As a result, Maini expects fluctuations in competitiveness across circuits, which could open opportunities for teams that adapt quickly.
“So overall, I’m just excited. I’m curious to see where we are after all the work we’ve done throughout the winter. And just yeah, looking forward to going racing.”
Experience meets youth at HRT as Maini partners with Wiebelhaus for 2026
Alongside technical development, driver dynamics will play a crucial role in shaping HRT’s season. Maini, now a seasoned DTM competitor, partners with rising German talent Finn Wiebelhaus, who steps up after impressing in GT racing.
“Well, first of all, it’s a bit scary for me to have a teammate that’s almost 10 years younger than me. So, I didn’t realise I’ve aged that much, but I guess I’m getting older.”
Despite the light-hearted remark, Maini recognises the strategic advantage of blending experience with youthful energy.
“But yeah, overall, I think it’s a good mix because you have, I think, Finn [Wiebelhaus] coming in, which he’s a super talented, of course, GT Masters champion, and naturally, this is his natural progression. And for me, I think it’s my sixth season in the DTM this year. So yeah, so I think it’s a good balance.”
This balance allows HRT to benefit from both continuity and innovation. While Maini contributes knowledge accumulated over multiple DTM campaigns, Wiebelhaus introduces new ideas and perspectives shaped by his rapid rise through GT racing ranks.
“I think it’s always a good balance to have in a team, experienced and young. It’s also because you get a fresh perspective from a young driver. And also, you know, I know sort of what works, so he can also learn off that.”
Crucially, this exchange of knowledge flows in both directions, strengthening the team’s overall performance.
“So we end up learning off each other. And I think, yeah, overall, it’s a good combination to have. And I mean, I get along well with Finn. We’ve known each other for a while. I think his first day in a GT3 car was coached by me. So yeah, he’s come a long way since then.”
A competitive but supportive partnership between teammates
While cooperation remains vital, intra-team competition inevitably plays a role in pushing performance levels higher. Maini acknowledges this balance with characteristic honesty.
“Yeah, I mean, we always are pretty open with each other. But maybe I have to be a bit careful in case he starts getting a bit too quick during the season. But yeah, we’ll see about that.”
This competitive edge, however, does not undermine the positive atmosphere within the team. Instead, it creates an environment where both drivers push each other to improve while maintaining mutual respect.
“Yeah, good. I mean, like I said, he’s a great guy. Good driver, likewise. And genuinely looking forward to the season, working with him. Because I think, like I said, young drivers brings a lot of fresh perspective sometimes. And sometimes that can be really helpful for a team.”
Such a dynamic often proves crucial over a long season, particularly in championships like DTM and GT World Challenge Europe, where consistency and adaptability determine success as much as outright speed.
Teamwork between Maini and Wiebelhaus key to unlocking performance for HRT in 2026
Ultimately, Maini emphasises that HRT’s success will depend on its ability to function as a cohesive unit. At this stage of the team’s development, collaboration outweighs individual ambition.
“Absolutely very important. I think especially at the stage we are in currently. I think it was the case also last year. Of course, it’s going to be different if you’re already up there and fighting for the championship. And then maybe it changes a little bit. But at the moment, we have to work together and try to get the car as quickly as possible to the front. And then we’ll see where we go from there.”
This pragmatic approach reflects an understanding of the broader competitive picture. Before challenging for championships, HRT must first establish itself consistently at the front of the field. Only then can internal dynamics shift towards title contention.
A season of opportunity ahead
As his 2026 DTM season with HRT approaches, Maini stands at an important point in his career. With years of experience behind him and a factory-backed programme supporting him, he combines maturity with ambition.
At the same time, the evolving technical landscape, a promising teammate partnership, and continued development of the Ford Mustang GT3 create a sense of opportunity for both driver and team.
If HRT successfully translates its winter progress into on-track performance, Maini could find himself not only competing more consistently at the front but also playing a key role in shaping the future of Ford’s GT racing efforts.
