Haupt Racing Team Clinches First Title with Ford Mustang GT3 in ADAC GT Masters
In a significant milestone for Haupt Racing Team (HRT), the German squad secured its inaugural ADAC GT Masters title with the Mustang GT3, reinforcing its strategic partnership with Ford Racing. HRT’s CEO, Ulrich Fritz, expressed optimism about the ongoing collaboration, emphasizing that this achievement is “only the beginning” of their journey together.
Transitioning from a successful tenure with Mercedes-AMG to Ford was a daunting challenge for HRT, especially with eight cars in operation. “Making the transition would be a challenge. It’s a big operation,” Fritz stated. However, he underscored the smooth operational adjustment in hindsight, attributing it to a robust engineering structure and growth mindset.
In the 2025 season, HRT showcased a competitive edge across multiple series, including DTM and NLS, with the Mustang GT3 earning significant victories. The ADAC GT Masters finale at Hockenheim saw HRT’s junior drivers, 19-year-old Finn Wiebelhaus and 20-year-old Salman Owega, clinch the Drivers’ Championship and helped the team capture its third consecutive Teams’ title, registering three wins and four podiums.
Fritz highlighted the importance of the ADAC GT Masters as a developmental platform for young talent, particularly in the context of the series transitioning to a Silver-rated Pro/Am structure. The season also marked Ford’s first overall victory at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and a class win at the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring added to the Mustang’s success.
In the DTM series, HRT faced challenges, finishing ninth in the Teams’ Championship, with best results at Norisring and Red Bull Ring. Despite this, Fritz remains confident about future improvements, especially with an Evo kit for the Mustang GT3 in development. “Sprint racing is where I think the Evo will help a lot,” he explained, indicating that he expects the upgraded package to create competitive parity across various events.
As HRT concludes a productive 2025 season, the team operates with a focus on expansion and optimization within the Ford GT3 framework. Fritz mentioned potential future opportunities in the IGTC and the European Le Mans Series, with discussions ongoing about expanding their program for 2026.
“Our partnership with Ford is paramount. We want to grow together,” he concluded, aiming for further successes to come.
