As the DTM prepares to return from its winter break, the build-up to the 2026 season brought a familiar sense of momentum for Marco Wittmann. Months without racing had only sharpened the focus across the grid, while changes in driver line-ups and team structures added an extra layer of intrigue ahead of the opening round. The transition from one season to the next once again underlined how quickly the landscape of the championship could evolve, even within a relatively short period of time.
At the same time, continuity remained just as important as change. For some drivers and teams, stability provided a platform to build on previous performances, refine their approach, and enter the new season with a clearer sense of direction. This balance between evolution and consistency shaped the early narrative of the year, as preparations shifted from testing to race readiness.
In an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief, Wittmann offered his perspective on this dynamic. With years of experience in the championship, he approached the new season with a mindset grounded in familiarity, confidence, and clearly defined objectives.
A familiar build-up fuels anticipation
The approach to the 2026 DTM season followed a rhythm that Wittmann knew well. The extended winter break, stretching from October to April, created a natural pause in momentum. However, rather than introducing uncertainty, it reinforced a growing sense of anticipation as the opening round drew closer.
“For me, it’s always more a sense of anticipation when a season begins. After all, the DTM winter break in particular is quite long, running from October to April, so you really start looking forward to the start of the season.”
Although the DTM calendar itself remained dormant during these months, Wittmann stayed active through other racing commitments. These opportunities allowed him to maintain sharpness behind the wheel while gradually building towards the main focus of his season.
“Luckily, I also have the chance to compete in a few other races, where the racing season and test drives kick off as early as January. But that’s why the anticipation clearly outweighs any uncertainty – because, having been involved in the DTM for so many years now, there have always been changes in terms of drivers, teams, manufacturers and the regulations, from Class 1 to GT3.”
His reference to the evolution of the series highlighted a key theme. Change remained constant within the championship, whether through technical regulations or the composition of the grid. For Wittmann, these shifts no longer represented unknown variables but rather an inherent part of the competition.
Experience provides stability in a changing grid
Heading into 2026, the DTM grid featured notable adjustments compared to the previous season. New names arrived, familiar faces departed, and team line-ups shifted once again. While such changes could create uncertainty for some drivers, Wittmann approached them with composure.
“Well, I’ve been through a lot in the DTM. So it’s nothing new to me, and it’s not unfamiliar territory just because there might be a few new drivers or perhaps a few old ones who aren’t there anymore. Ultimately, that doesn’t matter to me. So, as I said, I’m just really looking forward to the season finally getting underway in April.”
Years of competing at the highest level of the championship shaped this mindset. Instead of focusing on external factors, Wittmann concentrated on preparation, execution, and consistency. His experience allowed him to filter out distractions and maintain clarity as the season approached.
This approach reflected a broader understanding of the championship’s nature. Success in DTM rarely depended solely on the composition of the grid. Instead, it required adaptability, technical understanding, and the ability to extract performance across varying conditions. Wittmann’s familiarity with these demands reduced the impact of external uncertainties.
Continuity strengthens Schubert partnership
A significant factor shaping Wittmann’s confidence ahead of the 2026 DTM season lay in his continued partnership with BMW and Schubert Motorsport. Having spent the previous two seasons building a working relationship within the team, he entered the new campaign with a strong foundation already in place.
“No, absolutely. Our goal is to compete for the title. And to secure my third title.
We’ve built a solid foundation over the last two years that I’ve been with Team Schubert. I’m also heading into this season with an almost unchanged crew, which of course helps because we’ve established a good foundation in 2025 and built up a strong rapport.”
The stability within the team extended beyond the driver line-up. An almost unchanged crew provided continuity in communication, processes, and technical understanding. This consistency allowed the team to refine existing strengths rather than rebuild core elements from scratch.
In a championship as competitive as DTM, such stability often translated into performance gains. Familiarity between driver and engineers improved feedback loops, while established working relationships streamlined decision-making during race weekends.
Learning from the past to shape the present
Wittmann also pointed to the importance of reflection. The 2025 season offered valuable insights, both in terms of successes and areas for improvement. Rather than starting anew, Schubert Motorsport approaches 2026 with a clear understanding of where progress could be made.
“I believe that could be a factor that definitely gives us an advantage for 2026 because you simply start from a completely different position and can also look back on the 2025 season and draw your conclusions from it as to what went well and what perhaps didn’t.”
This ability to analyse and adapt formed a crucial component of sustained competitiveness. By building on previous experiences, the team aimed to optimise performance from the outset of the new season. Early momentum often proved decisive in a tightly contested championship, making preparation during the off-season particularly valuable.
Wittmann has a clear objective in sight for the 2026 DTM season
While many elements contributed to Wittmann’s outlook, his primary objective remained straightforward. The pursuit of a third DTM title defined his approach to the season.
The combination of experience, team continuity, and lessons learned created a platform from which to challenge consistently at the front. Rather than approaching the season with uncertainty, Wittmann entered 2026 with clarity and purpose.
As the opening round at the Red Bull Ring approaches, anticipation continued to build. For Wittmann and Schubert Motorsport, the groundwork laid over previous seasons now provides an opportunity to convert preparation into results.
