Charles Weerts enters the 2026 GTWC Europe Sprint Cup season with a reputation that commands attention across the paddock. The Team WRT driver has not only collected titles but also established a level of consistency that few in the series can rival. Year after year, he delivers results, adapts to new challenges, and finds ways to stay ahead of increasingly competitive opposition.
As the championship returns to Brands Hatch, Weerts lines up once again alongside Kelvin van der Linde in the #32 BMW. The pairing remains unchanged, and expectations remain high. However, success brings scrutiny. Every rival studies his performance, searching for weaknesses. Consequently, Weerts begins the season as the benchmark—fully aware that the rest of the field will measure itself against him.
Weerts: A champion forged through adversity
Although his record suggests dominance, Weerts has built his success on resilience rather than ease. Last season, in particular, highlighted how difficult it can be to stay on top in such a competitive field. While race pace often remained strong, Qualifying frequently exposed limitations.
“We struggled quite a bit in Qualifying; we simply lacked pace, to be honest,” explained Weerts to SRO GTWC Europe. “But we always came back in the races and got into a good position, thanks mainly to our engineers and to our mechanics doing great pit stops. Their value in this championship is immense.”
Even when starting further down the grid, Weerts and his team consistently recovered positions. As a result, their ability to execute under pressure became a defining strength. Strong strategy calls, efficient pit stops, and calm decision-making allowed them to turn difficult weekends into valuable points finishes. This approach ultimately kept their title challenge alive when outright pace alone was not enough.
Weerts on Valencia drama: From despair to triumph in the 2025 GTWC Europe Sprint Cup finale
The season finale in Valencia provided a dramatic and emotional conclusion to Weerts’ campaign. Heading into the weekend, he held only a narrow lead in the standings. Moreover, the circuit presented a known challenge for the BMW package, increasing the pressure from the outset.
“Going there, we knew it is not typically the best track for us,” recalls Weerts. “In Race 1 we started pretty far back after a another difficult qualifying and then we got completely destroyed at Turn 2. I got shunted off and hurt myself quite a lot. I was really in pain.”
The opening-lap incident not only ended his race but also broke his impressive run of 38 consecutive finishes. More significantly, it appeared to end his championship hopes entirely.
“In my mind, at that moment, the championship was simply over,” he says. “A DNF meant it was finished. But by some kind of miracle, our main competitors also didn’t score any points, which gave us the opportunity to still fight on Sunday.”
That unexpected twist kept the title battle alive. Nevertheless, the task remained daunting. Starting fifth in the final race, Weerts and van der Linde needed a near-perfect performance.
Final charge: From pain to glory
“Kelvin did an incredible job,” says Charles, who took the wheel for the second half of the race and secured the title for Team WRT. “I know I’m repeating myself, but I was really in so much pain – I couldn’t even put my helmet on! It was very, very difficult.
“But it’s funny how the body works, because as the time for me to get in the car was coming closer, the less pain I felt. And then right before getting in the car, I didn’t feel anything anymore. I was just like, ‘Okay, let’s get this done.’
“Ultimately, the reward was great: for me, for Kelvin, for the whole team. It was a beautiful moment.”
In the end, determination and teamwork turned what seemed like defeat into a remarkable triumph. The experience reinforced Weerts’ ability to perform under extreme physical and mental pressure.
A new role without Vanthoor
At the same time, the 2025 title carried deeper personal significance. It marked Weerts’ first championship without long-time teammate Dries Vanthoor, a driver who had played a major role in his development. Their partnership had brought considerable success, but it also shaped perceptions around Weerts’ role within the team.
“Obviously, having Dries next to me was great in that I learned a lot from him,” says Weerts. “He is the fastest guy I know on pure pace. He is very, very talented. But while I learned a lot, I was always compared to Dries.
“Not driving with him anymore after five seasons together, my role shifted a little bit,” Weerts continued. “Kelvin was new at BMW, but also extremely talented and super quick. In Endurance we also had Ugo [de Wilde], who was another rookie at BMW. He is my age, not super experienced but again very quick.
“So definitely the dynamic changed. It made me a better driver, because my responsibility and my role was different. I really enjoyed it. Ultimately, we had a pretty good run in both championships, winning Sprint and finishing third in Endurance, and also winning the overall title.”
Without Vanthoor, Weerts stepped into a more prominent leadership position. He guided newer teammates, contributed more heavily to development feedback, and took on greater responsibility within the team structure. Consequently, this shift not only improved his technical understanding but also strengthened his confidence as a complete driver.
Weerts hungry for more success in 2026 GTWC Europe Sprint Cup
Despite already achieving more than most drivers at his age, Weerts remains driven by a desire to keep winning. Rather than becoming complacent, he continues to set new goals and push his own limits.
“The first time is the most special,” he said. “I think this is true for a lot of things in life. But the more titles I can get, the better it is. My motivation really isn’t affected by the amount of times I’ve won the championship.”
Looking ahead, Weerts anticipates a highly competitive season. The Sprint Cup grid continues to strengthen, with multiple teams capable of winning races and challenging for the title. As a result, consistency will prove just as important as outright speed.
“At least five cars can win this championship,” says Weerts. “The level in Sprint just keeps on rising and this makes our task a little bit harder. It’s our job to keep working and trying to stay the best.”
In such an environment, even small mistakes can have significant consequences. Therefore, maintaining focus across every session—from Qualifying to the final lap of each race—will be crucial.
Comfortable being the target
As the new campaign begins, Charles Weerts once again occupies a familiar position at the front of the field. However, he does not shy away from the pressure that comes with success. Instead, he embraces the challenge of being the hunted.
With experience on his side, a strengthened leadership role, and an unrelenting desire to win, Weerts stands ready to defend his crown. Yet, as the competition intensifies, he knows that nothing will come easily. If anything, the road to a fifth Sprint Cup title may prove to be his toughest test yet.
