ADAC GT4 Germany was at the Red Bull Ring for the penultimate race weekend of 2025. Here are a few fascinating stories and tales from the paddock.
Prominent well-wisher: Two-time DTM champion Gary Paffett presented the ADAC GT4 Germany trophies at the Red Bull Ring. “I am pleased to see all the young and aspiring drivers,” said Paffett. “The racing in ADAC GT4 Germany is very good and really exciting.”
Two-time champion in attendance: Mike David Ortmann won the ADAC GT4 Germany title in 2022 and 2023. He is currently enjoying success in the American GT4 series, but dropped into the Red Bull Ring to pay the German championship a visit. “I am a driver coach for Damon Surzyshyn,” Ortmann explained. “It was obviously great to meet many familiar faces in the paddock.” Ortmann also commentated on Saturday’s race from the announcer’s booth.
Rapid rookie: Porsche driver Maximilian Schreyer (16/Marburg, AVIA W&S Motorsport) enjoyed his best race weekend so far in ADAC GT4 Germany. He won the rookie competition in the Sunday race, and thus made his first appearance on the ADAC GT4 Germany podium. “It felt mega to be competing so far up the field,” said a delighted Schreyer, who shared the cockpit with Luciano Schneider (18/Wannweil). “I hope we can back up that performance at the Hockenheimring. We will do our best to make sure we do.”
Successful gentleman: There was a classification in the new PRO-AM category for the first time at the Red Bull Ring. Victories in this class went to Laurenz Rühl (19/Friedrichsdorf) and Damon Surzyshyn (48/CAN, both Razoon - xAutomotive Racing) in a BMW M4 GT4. “Standing on the podium was impossible to describe,” said a beaming Surzyshyn. “We had a good race and the atmosphere, with the Alps in the background, was captivating. ADAC GT4 Germany is a really great racing series.”
Local favourites: The Red Bull Ring was a home event for three drivers: Daniel Drexel (24/AUT, Razoon - more than Racing), Raphael Rennhofer (18/AUT, Wimmer Werk Motorsport) and Luis Moser (17/AUT, Razoon - xAutomotive Racing). “I came to the Red Bull Ring as a child to watch Formula 1 and the DTM,” said Moser. “To get to race here myself was incredibly nice. The circuit gets your adrenalin pumping more than almost any other out there, as there are many braking zones and the set-up has to be exactly right. I actually had my first ever GT4 test at the Red Bull Ring.”
Legendary uncle: Oskar Lind Kristensen (19/DNK) won Sunday’s race together with Lachlan Robinson (22/AUS, both AVIA W&S Motorsport). The Dane has an extremely well-known uncle: nine-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Tom Kristensen. “I would obviously like to follow in his footsteps,” he said. “I dream of sitting down for Christmas dinner at some point in the future, and saying to him ‘Sorry Tom, but unfortunately the Le Mans record is mine now’. That is my career goal.”
Tour guide: Fellow Austrian Drexel had an extra job to perform. He commentated on the DTM Track Safari from a coach full of spectators. “Seeing the GT3 cars racing by was impressive, as you get a really good idea of the speed they are travelling at,” said Drexel after the special session. “Interacting with the spectators is great fun. I think it was a really special experience for everyone.”
