As the 2026 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) season approaches, Thierry Vermeulen, now firmly established within Emil Frey Racing, finds himself in a familiar yet evolving position as he continues to build on the experience he has gathered since stepping into GT3 machinery just a few years ago. Speaking exclusively to Pit Debrief, Vermeulen offered a thoughtful and measured insight into his preparations, his mindset, and the factors he believes will define his season.
Having progressed through categories such as the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux and ADAC GT Masters, Vermeulen has steadily adapted to the demands of top-level GT racing. With the backing of Verstappen Racing and increasing confidence in his own ability, he now approaches the new season with both realism and ambition.
Pre-season focus shaped by Ferrari Evo developments
With pre-season testing underway, Vermeulen places significant emphasis on understanding the updated Ferrari machinery. The introduction of a new Evo package adds an extra layer of complexity, making early track time especially valuable.
“Of course, currently we are in the pre-season testing phase of the year, which always is a great time where we get to learn a lot more about the car, especially this year with the new Evo package that Ferrari brought out.
At the same time, testing only forms part of the bigger picture. For Vermeulen, the real motivation lies in returning to competitive conditions, where performance carries immediate consequences.
“But yeah, I’m super excited to get the races started, to get back under pressure and perform. That’s, at the end, what we love the most, and that’s what I’m looking forward to do again this year: to just get the most out of myself, get the most out of the team, and hopefully that comes with some great races this year. Of course, we have high goals.”
Vermeulen embarks on a new chapter alongside Matteo Cairoli with Emil Frey Racing in DTM
While technical changes play a major role, the human element within the team proves equally significant. The 2026 DTM season marks a transition for Vermeulen, who now shares the Emil Frey Racing garage with Matteo Cairoli following three years alongside Jack Aitken. Such changes inevitably reshape the dynamic within a team, influencing everything from data sharing to feedback and overall atmosphere.
“Yes, that’s right,” he said when asked about his new teammate. “This year I have a new teammate. Of course, the last three years I’ve been together with Jack Aitken. We made our DTM debut together, also together with the team, so I learned a lot from him the last years.
Reflecting further, Vermeulen acknowledged how those previous seasons helped him establish a foundation within the championship. Working alongside a consistent teammate allowed for continuity, which in turn supported his development during what were often challenging early campaigns.
However, he also recognises that change can bring fresh energy and new perspectives—something he clearly welcomes.
“And this year will be a little bit different, with Matteo Cairoli joining the team. Of course, a driver that, in different racing series, has been extremely fast and that I loved following as well. So I’m very excited to work together with him and to learn from each other, and hopefully we can bring back some great results for Emil Frey Racing.”
In a championship defined by marginal gains, such collaboration can prove crucial over the course of a long season.
The importance of precision and preparation in a tightly contested field
DTM’s competitive nature leaves little room for error, and Vermeulen made it clear that he believes that preparation must be both detailed and consistent. Every element, from testing to race execution, plays a role in extracting performance.
“Absolutely. Like you said, the margins are super small,” he said when asked about his personal preparation for a competitive series with such fine margins. “That’s why the pre-season testing is important for us to understand the car.
He outlined the structured approach he takes, both physically and technically, noting that each element of preparation contributes to performance, whether through improved fitness, simulator work, or close collaboration with engineers.
“So this time we really try to understand the car, get comfortable with the new package—we have the new Evo package—and apart from that it’s important to prepare physically, to stay fit, to stay healthy. We prepare a lot on the simulator, so I will go before each test and before each race event.
The simulator, in particular, plays a central role in modern motorsport preparation. For Vermeulen, it provides an opportunity to refine his approach before arriving at the circuit, reducing uncertainty and allowing for a more focused start to each race weekend.
“I will prepare on the simulator of Verstappen Racing, where they help me just to get dialled in. And then we have the Free Practice sessions, where again it gets even more important to feel comfortable, to define the setup you want to run for Qualifying and for the race. And of course, throughout the weekend, you just have to stay super focused, stay confident in your ability, and try to extract the most out of each weekend and each session.”
Verstappen on learning through adversity and maintaining perspective in DTM
Vermeulen’s journey in DTM has not been without its challenges. His debut season, in particular, tested his adaptability as he adjusted to the demands of the championship. Yet rather than viewing those experiences negatively, he frames them as essential to his growth.
“This is something that, for sure, the last years—especially when I made my DTM debut, where it was quite tough—you need to just be open to learn.
That openness, he explained, must be paired with a willingness to analyse performance honestly and reset mentally between sessions.
“At the end, we always have the data, which can show you where you’re missing, but it’s important to enter the next session with a fresh mindset and be confident in your ability. And also just listen to the feedback the car is giving you and try to just do the best you can at all times.
However, despite the inherent pressures of motorsport, Vermeulen maintains a clear sense of appreciation for his position.
“The motivation is something I don’t really struggle with. I’m very proud and happy to be in the position that I am, and I just try to enjoy it as much as I can each lap I drive.”
This mindset allows him to remain focused while still finding enjoyment in the process.
Consistency as the defining factor in DTM success
Looking beyond individual performances, Vermeulen turns his attention to what ultimately defines success across a full DTM campaign. In a grid filled with capable drivers and competitive machinery, he believes consistency separates contenders from the rest.
“Yes, like we all know, DTM, in my opinion as well, is the toughest and best GT championship in the world,” he said when asked for his thoughts on what separates the top contenders from the rivals. “In DTM, it’s important to be consistent. I think everyone on the grid is capable of winning races and doing pole positions, but the ones who win the championship are the ones that are more consistent.”
Ultimately, he believes that the true challenge of DTM lies in extracting results even when conditions are less favourable.
“So that has to do with maximising each weekend depending on how strong the car is, and even on your difficult weekends—on the weekends where you feel you are missing a bit of lap time or a bit of race pace—to still extract points and to still get the most out of yourself and the car.”
Emil Frey Racing’s Vermeulen set for a 2026 DTM season backed by experience and preparation
Taken together, Vermeulen’s reflections paint the picture of a driver who understands the demands of his environment. He balances ambition with realism, focusing on the incremental gains that define success in DTM.
With a new teammate, an evolving car package, and a growing depth of experience, he enters the 2026 season intent on building momentum. If he can combine preparation, adaptability, and consistency, Vermeulen positions himself to take another meaningful step forward in his career.
