DTM champion Gotz inspired by Verstappen to put number 1 on his car

Maximilian Gotz will defend his DTM title with the number 1 on his Mercedes-AMG GT3. He says his choice of car number was partly inspired by that of Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen.

Gotz won his 'maiden crown' on his return to the DTM last year, beating Red Bull Racing junior driver Liam Lawson and Audi driver Kelvin van der Linde. This happened in the controversial season finale at the Norisring, in which Lawson was tapped off the track by Van der Linde.

The German driver drove with the number 4 on his car in 2021, but chose to race with the number 1 this year after switching from Haupt Racing to Winward Racing. In doing so, he was partly inspired by Verstappen's choice, he told Motorsport.com.

"Max Verstappen is doing it in F1 because he says in this lifetime there are not many chances to do so," says Gotz. So he has decided to enjoy his time as champion and take the opportunity to put the number on his car.

This makes him the second reigning DTM champion after Marco Wittmann to drive a season with the number 1 on his car. Drivers have had that option since 2015, when the DTM decided to allow choosing their own number.