Maximilian Paul has begun his recovery after the heavy crash that stopped Saturday’s 2026 DTM race at the Norisring.
The Grasser Racing Team driver was involved in a major collision with Kelvin van der Linde’s Schubert Motorsport BMW at Turn 1 during Race 1. Race control initially deployed a Full Course Yellow before red-flagging the race, while van der Linde went to the Medical Centre and Paul was taken to hospital for further checks.
The race later resumed after officials completed barrier and FIA fencing repairs. In the days after the crash, Grasser Racing Team confirmed that Paul had undergone surgery and would now step away from racing while he focuses on his recovery.
Grasser confirms extent of Paul’s injuries
Team Principal Gottfried Grasser provided a fuller medical update after the Norisring weekend. Speaking to Motorsport-Total.com, he confirmed that Paul’s injuries were more extensive than the initial reports had indicated. He stated that Paul had suffered “a fibula and a tibia fracture as well as a lumbar vertebra fracture.”
Earlier updates had referred only to a lower leg fracture. Grasser later confirmed that Paul had undergone surgery and had started the first stage of his recovery.
“He has undergone surgery, everything went well, and he is recovering.”
Grasser Racing Team also sent its support to the 26-year-old as he begins a demanding period away from the cockpit.
“All of us at TGI Team by GRT wish Max a speedy recovery and hope to see him return to us soon. We know he’s a fighter and will get through this difficult time.”
The injury update brought clarity after a difficult Norisring weekend for the team. Paul had been building his first season with Grasser Racing Team after previously racing with his own family-run squad, and the accident now pauses that progress while he focuses on treatment and rehabilitation.
Paul thanks rescue workers and doctors
Paul has since spoken publicly from hospital for the first time. His message centred on gratitude towards the rescue workers at the Norisring and the doctors who treated him after the crash.
“The accident was a major setback for me. I’d like to thank all the rescue workers and the doctors who looked after me so exceptionally well.”
The Lamborghini driver confirmed that he will take time away from racing while he prioritises his health. He expects to remain in hospital for several days before beginning rehabilitation.
“I’m taking a break for the time being to look after my body and my health, and I’ll be back in full force soon. I’ll be in hospital for the next few days, after which I’ll be heading to rehab.”
Paul did not give a timetable for his return. For now, his focus remains on the immediate medical process and the start of his recovery programme.
Paul draws strength from support
Paul also thanked those who have contacted him since the accident. He said the support from his family, team, friends and fans will play an important role in the coming weeks.
“I really appreciate the support of my family, my team, my friends and everyone who’s checking in on me at the moment, and I’ll be consciously focusing on that support and my recovery in the coming weeks.”
He also said the messages he has received have given him strength during the first stage of recovery.
“I’d like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the many kind words and get-well wishes. They give me strength and keep me going on my road to recovery.”
Support also came from inside the Grasser garage. The team produced a get-well video for Paul, with messages from Grasser, team-mate Mirko Bortolotti and members of the crew. Paul has a significant place in the team’s DTM history, having delivered Grasser Racing Team’s first victory in the championship at the Nürburgring in 2023.
Bortolotti visits Paul in hospital
Bortolotti visited Paul after Saturday’s race. He also saw van der Linde, who had been involved in the same incident and was released after medical checks.
“After the race, I went to the hospital to visit him and Kelvin. I was glad that Kelvin got released immediately.”
The Italian then wished Paul a full recovery and backed his team-mate to return strongly.
“Max is a fighter and I’m relieved that his recovery is progressing in a positive direction. I wish him a speedy recovery and I have no doubt he’ll come back stronger than ever.”
Grasser Racing Team will now continue its DTM season while Paul begins rehabilitation. The team has not yet announced any further details regarding its plans during his absence.
Cairoli describes hearing the impact
Matteo Cairoli was running directly ahead of van der Linde when the crash happened. The Emil Frey Racing Ferrari driver later described how clearly he heard the collision from inside his cockpit.
“Right behind me I heard the hit from Maximilian Paul and Kelvin inside my car.”
The incident stopped the race while officials attended to the drivers, recovered the cars and repaired the damaged circuit infrastructure. After the delay, Race 1 restarted and continued to the finish.
Paul begins recovery after Norisring accident
Paul’s Norisring crash brought one of the most serious stoppages of the 2026 DTM season so far. The latest update from Grasser Racing Team confirmed the extent of his injuries, while Paul’s first message from hospital focused on medical care, support and recovery.
He will remain in hospital before moving into rehabilitation. Grasser Racing Team, Bortolotti and the wider DTM paddock have sent their support as he begins the next stage of his recovery.
