A controversial pass by Lucas Auer at Hockenheim has reignited accusations of Mercedes‑AMG team orders after he deliberately eased off, allowing Maro Engel to overtake early in the DTM field.
Regulatory Backdrop
Since 2022 the DTM’s sporting regulations outlaw any agreement that orders drivers to alter their racing position. Section 20.2 explicitly prohibits “direct or indirect instructions” that restrict a competitor’s conduct during a race or qualifying session. A breach can result in a €250,000 fine.
The Move on the Track
On lap five, Auer lagged Engel by 1.5 seconds in the second sector, a clear sign of a deliberate slowdown. The result was Engel‑drove past Auer in the Mercedes‑Arena, then emerged in the race lead before the starting grid.
No Radio Evidence of Gestation
Following the incident, the German motor‑sport authority, DMSB, reviewed both drivers’ radio feed. The transmission showed no directive from either team or any coaching signal that would support the theory of a pre‑arranged position swap. This absence of concrete evidence limits regulatory action.
Driver Explanations and Championship Stakes
Engel, positioned higher in the standings, praised the break as a “big help” and said no hidden agenda existed. Auer, however, admitted the pass stemmed from a sudden foot cramp that made aggressive racing risky. He added that the manoeuvre was his personal safety decision, not a strategic concession.
Race Aftermath and Points Gap
Despite the controversial pass, Auer ultimately crossed the finish line first after a 16.4‑second pit stop that dropped Engel back. Engel ended the race in fourth place and remains 22 points behind the title leader, with only a late‑season collapse by Thomas Preining capable of altering the podium.
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