The ME Motorsport driver made his ADAC GT4 Germany debut in 2026, and claimed four class victories in the Rookie classification. Stiefelhagen started out in motorsport at the age of 13.
Dutchman Lukas Stiefelhagen was crowned champion rookie in ADAC GT4 Germany in 2026. This is the classification for young racing drivers who were born no earlier than 2001 and are embarking on their first year in GT4 motorsport. At the wheel of a BMW M4 GT4 for ME Motorsport, the 19-year-old claimed four class victories and ended the season with a 16-point advantage over the second-placed rookie. “Coming into the season, we not only wanted to get to know the series, but also to be crowned champion rookie. I am pleased to say that we achieved that, so I am overjoyed,” says Stiefelhagen, who shared the BMW with Leon Bauchmüller (19/Kurchlinteln). “ADAC GT4 Germany is of an extremely high standard, and even the rookie competition was really fiercely contested. As such, we had to fight hard for this success. That is one reason why this title means so much to me.”
Stiefelhagen made the perfect start to the 2026 season, winning the class in the Saturday race at the season opener at the Red Bull Ring. “We also finished sixth overall at the first attempt. When you start a new season, you never know beforehand how you are going to fare. However, to immediately finish so far up the field was a bit of a surprise to everyone,” he says, recalling the race weekend in Austria. More class wins were to follow in race two at the Norisring, in Oschersleben, and in Hockenheim. He also recorded up a further five top-three results in the rookie competition.
Stiefelhagen still looks back proudly on his own personal highlights from the past season – qualifying at the Sachsenring and race two in Hockenheim. “The Sachsenring is very hard on the tyres, so you have to get it spot on in qualifying. We qualified second, which was the best result so far for both me and the team,” Stiefelhagen explains. “In Hockenheim, I was running third for a long time, and had Gabriele Piana, one of the top GT4 drivers in the world, in my mirror for much of the race. The battle was great fun, and allowed me to show what I am capable of against a great backdrop.”
Stiefelhagen started out in a rented kart at the age of 13, and went on to become the Dutch kart champion. He switched to a race car in 2023, taking his place behind the wheel of a Citroen C1. Stiefelhagen spent 2024 and 2025 racing in the NXT Gen Cup, during which time he familiarised himself with the DTM platform. His time in the NXT Gen Cup proved to be successful, as he set many records that still stand on the way to being crowned champion. He has been racing on the GT4 scene since 2026.
In the summer, Lukas Stiefelhagen began studying sustainability in Utrecht. He also works as a driver coach in the world of motorsport. Sport also dominates his free time, as he spends much of it in the gym or jogging. The 19-year-old also feels it is extremely important to stay in touch with his friendship group. “It is actually difficult to find time to meet up with my mates, as I am at the racetrack so often. However, sometimes they just come with me,” he chuckles. Another passion is playing the piano – a hobby he discovered thanks to his music-mad brother. “He even has a small studio at home – so I also began making music when I was 15.”
During the winter break, Lukas Stiefelhagen is already looking ahead to the 2027 season: “My plan is to race in ADAC GT4 Germany again next year. Not only do I like the series, but also the teams and drivers involved. My goal will be to finish on the podium as often as possible. I am not going to mention the Driver title, as I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. However, I would obviously be delighted if I were crowned overall champion.”
