As the 2025 GT World Challenge (GTWC) Europe season comes to a close, Thierry Vermeulen looks back on a year of personal and professional growth. The Dutch driver, who began his motorsport journey in 2020 with no previous racing experience, has quickly made a name for himself in the world of GT racing. This season, Vermeulen competed across both Sprint and Endurance categories, securing a Gold Cup title in both disciplines with Verstappen.com Racing and Emil Frey Racing. In an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief at the DTM finale in Hockenheim, Vermeulen discussed the highs and lows of his 2025 season and his journey to championship contender after a late start to racing.
A late start brings a unique entry to racing
Vermeulen’s journey into motorsport is far from typical. Unlike most drivers who begin their careers in go-karts, Vermeulen came to the sport at the age of 18 without any previous racing experience. For many, this would be a significant disadvantage, but for Vermeulen, it provided a fresh perspective and a chance to enter racing on his own terms. His introduction to the world of GT racing came unexpectedly in 2020, and it was here that he found his passion.
“Yeah, so I basically enrolled in racing at the start of 2020. Before that I didn’t have any prior racing experience, no go-karting, so a bit different already from the start as the traditional route, as you said. And I think this came because I was invited to a track day in 2020 where I got to drive a GT4 car and from there it really started evolving,” Vermeulen shared.
An alternative path but the right one
His experience at the track day proved to be a turning point, sparking an immediate connection with GT racing. Vermeulen quickly realised that his path to professional racing wouldn’t follow the usual single-seater route. For him, entering formula racing at the age of 18, with no karting background, did not make sense.
“And I think starting at the age of 18 and missing the karting route, it didn’t make any sense to go into formula racing, let’s say. Just knowing how difficult it is to [engage] in formula racing and the budget it requires, the talent it requires, I think that was the first reason.”
In contrast, GT racing offered a more accessible avenue. The opportunity to race in diverse countries, participate in different championships, and potentially build a sustainable career made it an appealing prospect from the outset.
“And apart from that, I’ve always been a big fan of GT racing. I think the close battles, the different countries you can race in, the different championships you can race in, present many opportunities for drivers to make a living out of it. And of course, that was one of the goals already from the start.”
Triumphs and highlights of a stellar 2025 season
The 2025 season proved to be a breakthrough year for Vermeulen, marked by standout performances and a series of career-defining moments. One of the key highlights was his first-ever pole position in the GT World Challenge, achieved at Brands Hatch. For any driver, earning a pole is a momentous achievement, and for Vermeulen, it was an indication that he was on the right path.
“I think probably the highlight of the season for me was the first race in Brands Hatch, where I got my first pole position in the GT World Challenge, and on the track, I really enjoyed driving as well. I think that was a very nice start to the season,” he recalled.
For Vermeulen, the pole was just the beginning. His partnership with Chris Lulham and their shared development work at Emil Frey Racing were equally crucial to his success. The team made significant strides throughout the season, improving the car and adapting to various race conditions, which helped them consistently deliver strong performances.
“And then also, of course, helping Chris and learning from him as well. It’s been a very cool journey together with Emil Frey Racing, I think, where we’ve improved a lot on the car. Had many highs, like you said.”
A solid programme in the GT World Championship Endurance Cup
Vermeulen’s endurance season with Verstappen.com Racing was another major highlight. Alongside teammates Harry King and Chris Lulham, he helped the team secure the Gold Cup Endurance title in what was a highly competitive season. The team’s performance over six rounds was consistently strong, finishing in the top three of the Gold Cup class and always in the top ten overall. This consistency culminated in a solid performance at the season finale in Barcelona, where they clinched the championship.
“Yeah, I think if we look at the endurance season, it’s been a very solid, solid programme. And I think we were very strong from the beginning. We’ve always been in the top ten overall, always in the top three of the Gold Cup,” Vermeulen said, reflecting on their consistency and success.
The season’s most emotional moment came at the 24 Hours of Spa, where the team’s hard work and dedication finally paid off with a victory that was truly special to everyone involved.
“The Spa victory was truly special to everyone in the team as a lot of effort has gone into it all season,” Vermeulen added, his pride clear as he remembered the triumph.
Securing the crown in the Barcelona finale
Heading into the final round in Barcelona, the goal was simple: secure the championship. Despite the strong lead in the Gold Cup standings, Vermeulen and his teammates knew that the job was not done yet.
“And heading to Barcelona for the final round, I think the first goal is, of course, to secure the championship. We have a nice lead in the Gold Cup. But nevertheless, we need to make sure that we are on top of it and we need to leave with that trophy of champions. There’s no other way around it.”
Verstappen.com Racing ultimately crossed the eighth line in Barcelona, taking third place in the Gold Cup. This saw them seal the Gold Cup endurance title, and earned Lulham and Vermeulen, who competed across both disciplines first place in the combined GT World Challenge Europe Gold Cup drivers’ classification.
A preference for the sprint format, but important lessons from endurance
While Vermeulen’s endurance achievements were impressive, it’s clear that his love for sprint racing runs deep. The adrenaline-pumping nature of sprint races, with their emphasis on pure pace and intense battle, resonates strongly with him. Having competed in both formats, Vermeulen values the lessons learned in endurance racing but admits that the high-stakes environment of sprint races is where he feels most at home.
“It’s a very different approach. Of course, in endurance, we are working with multiple drivers and also the strategy plays a big role. And it’s been my first full-time endurance programme this year. And I think I’ve learned a lot of it as a driver, which I can apply also in the sprint weekends,” Vermeulen explained.
However, when asked to choose between the two formats, Vermeulen was clear about his preference.
“If I had to choose one or the other, I would go for the sprint just because I feel like I enjoy the battling more and I enjoy going all in the pressure on qualifying. And when you do deliver, it is a very special feeling. But I’m very lucky to experience both. And hopefully it will be like that for the next years as well.”
Lessons learned after a turbulent Valencia round
One of the most intense moments of the season came during the Sprint Cup finale in Valencia, where Vermeulen and Lulham were involved in a dramatic race for the title. In Race 1, Lulham crossed the line first, securing what appeared to be both the overall the Gold Cup class victory. However, a post-race penalty demoted them to fourth overall and second in class, which added significant pressure heading into Race 2.
“Yes, absolutely. There was a lot more pressure than we anticipated. But, you know, this is also part of racing. I think sometimes you have to deal with the pressures that come with it. Also leading a championship, although it’s not an overall championship. I think it’s also a great lesson for me for the future to know how to deal with this pressure if I do fight the next years for the overall championship. But luckily we managed to win it in Valencia.”
Despite the setback, Vermeulen and Lulham maintained their composure and responded with a strong performance in Race 2, finishing 9th overall and securing the Gold Cup class victory that sealed their title.
With the 2025 season now concluded, Vermeulen is already looking ahead to the future. The lessons he’s learned, the successes he’s enjoyed, and the challenges he’s faced have all contributed to his development as a driver, and he’s eager to continue building on this foundation in the years to come.
