Formula 1 star brought buddy into the cockpit: That’s why the Swiss DTM team Verstappen says

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Where Verstappen is, Thierry Vermeulen (22) is in it! At least that applies in the DTM. The Dutch Formula 1 superstar runs his own team called “Verstappen.com Racing” as a hobby for his good friend. In order for Vermeulen to join the DTM in 2023, Verstappen looked for a racing team as a partner – and found one in Switzerland.

Emil Frey Racing from Safenwil AG is using one of their Ferrari racers for Verstappen’s buddy in the DTM, entirely in the design of the Formula 1 champion. With large Verstappen lettering on the car and the Bulls logo.

“Our relationship is a long story,” Thierry Vermeulen tells Blick at the Red Bull Ring, “we have known each other since we were children. One day Max realized we could do something outside of our friendship. A kind of company has now been created with the team.”

The fathers also have personal and business ties

We owe the fact that the two Dutchmen met each other as children to their fathers. Raymond Vermeulen has been Max’s manager for many years and, together with his father Jos Verstappen, has overseen and guided the entire unprecedented rise of the now three-time world champion. The families now manage each other: Jos Verstappen has become Thierry Vermeulen’s manager.

Because he hasn’t been racing for very long. “I have never driven karts or any other youth class. But in 2020 I was testing a touring car with Max in Portimao. That was a lot of fun, it really touched me.” Verstappen then helped a lot in starting his career and guides his friend to this day.

Vermeulen: “This year everything became even bigger with the participation in the DTM. Max likes to follow us in the DTM and is interested in everything.” It happens that an F1 superstar is very close to a Swiss racing team. He also occasionally appears during test drives. «He is a great friend, Max helps me a lot with his knowledge. That means a lot to me,” says Vermeulen, “it’s crazy that he always makes time for me in addition to his busy Formula 1 calendar.”

Verstappen coaches Vermeulen for the DTM

Because Verstappen follows DTM events closely, he gives many tips and constructive criticism on all kinds of details. “I’ve only been racing for three years. It is clear that I can still improve everywhere,” says Vermeulen.

He is currently 16th in the rankings, his best result being 5th at the Sachsenring. Will the exclusive Verstappen tips give you the first podium place at the season finale in Hockenheim?

Source : Blick