Maximilian Paul injuries will sideline the 26‑year‑old DTM driver from the remaining weekends after a severe crash at the Norisring fractured his fibula, tibia, and a lumbar vertebra.
Crash Overview
During Saturday’s DTM race, Paul’s Lamborghini slammed unbraked into the driver’s door of Kelvin van der Linde’s Schubert BMW. The impact tore off the right rear wheel, stripped the car of braking capability, and sent it neck‑and‑neck into a guardrail at roughly 250 km/h.
Injury Breakdown
Team principal Gottfried Grasser confirmed the 26‑year‑old sustained a broken fibula, tibia, and a lumbar vertebra fracture. Earlier brief reports only acknowledged a lower‑leg break.
Medical Update
Paul underwent emergency surgery, with Grasser noting that “everything went well.” The driver expressed gratitude for the rescue workers and doctors in a hospital statement, and he will progress to inpatient rehab after a few more days.
Team Response
Grasser’s team released a get‑well video featuring the boss, Mirko Bortolotti, and the mechanics, all wishing the champion a speedy recovery. Bortolotti visited Paul immediately after the race, reflecting optimism about the \”fighting spirit\” and a positive recovery trajectory.
Impact Analysis
Unlike front‑mid‑engine rivals such as the BMW or Mercedes‑AMG, the Lamborghini’s short‑nose design left Paul’s legs less shielded. An oil slick left by Timo Glock contributed to the slide into the braking zone, amplifying the crash’s force. Racer Matteo Cairoli reported hearing the impact inside his cockpit, underscoring the severity.
Recovery Outlook
Given the load of over 100 kg required to operate the brake pedal, the damaged left leg demands extended protection. Vertebral fractures typically necessitate a minimum six‑month healing period, so Paul’s return will hinge on a disciplined rehabilitation program and gradual physical tests. The Grasser team’s confidence suggests a swift comeback is within reach, but the exact timeline remains uncertain.
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