Mercedes‑AMG Team Winward drivers Maro Engel and Jules Gounon each received a penalty lap during the DTM race at Lausitzring, their pit stops violating a technical rule upheld by the championship regulators.
Penalty context and impact
Both cars were serviced by the same fitter who failed to keep the rear wheel “stabilised” during the wheel‑changing operation, a breach of Article 39.1, paragraph f of the DTM rulebook. The rule demands that the tyre remain supported in its own muscular hold; the mechanic placed the wheel directly on the floor instead of applying hand pressure.
Engel was pushed from fifth to tenth place during the penalty zone, ultimately taking eighth. The penalty cost the driver a single point, leaving him a point behind series leader Matteo Cairoli and tied with Lucas Auer at second in the standings.
Despite the mishap, the team recorded a 6.2‑second pit stop – the fastest of the day – which prompted the manager, Steve Buschmann, to label the incident a safety‑neutral “blackout” caused mainly by heat and camera visibility.
Regulatory background
The rule was first activated at the Oschersleben opener in 2023 when a Manthey mechanic released the wheel’s support during a stop, ending in a penalty for Thomas Preining. The mandate was designed to prevent a tyre from rolling forward and colliding with an oncoming car.
Buschmann notes that the new regulation was well understood by all teams; the double infraction today was an accidental oversight rather than deliberate violation.
Driver responses
Engel admitted that a pit‑stop penalty was an unfortunate setback but stressed that “rules are rules.” He reflected that the team consistently delivers high‑level performance, yet mistakes are inherent in motorsport.
When asked about his position after the day’s disappointment, Engel highlighted that other front‑row rivals – Lucas Auer, Ben Dorr, Marco Wittmann, Thomas Preining, and Kelvin van der Linde – all had points‑low finishes, keeping his title hopes alive.
With the rule’s safety intent already in practice, the incident underscores the thin margin between flawless execution and procedural error that can shape the results of a championship.
"