Maximilian Paul has left the Nuremberg Institute of Orthopedics after a bout of fractures sustained Saturday at the Norisring.
Hospital Exit and Immediate Plans
Team chief Gottfried Grasser confirmed that the 26‑year‑old driver, who fractured his tibia, fibula and lumbar vertebra, has been discharged and will now receive home‑based care before heading into rehabilitation.
Paul’s partner, Patricija Stalidzane, posted a photo on Instagram showing the racer cradling a crutch‑backed front leg, captioned “#FREEMAX.” The image, taken at the clinic’s south campus, illustrated that the driver still stands upright but will need time to heal.
Speaking to Motorsport‑Total.com on Monday, Paul vowed to “take a break for my body and health, returning in full force soon.” He added that he would be in the hospital for a few more days before beginning rehab sessions.
Car Damage and Weekend Impact
The Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo2 that Paul drove suffered considerable front‑end damage during the crash. An initial assessment indicated that the major compromise is repairable but hinges on the availability of parts.
Grasser was uncertain on whether the vehicle could be restored in time for the upcoming DTM event at Oschersleben, currently set for two weeks ahead. He hinted that the team might need a replacement driver if the car remains unusable.
Field‑Ready Vengeance for Kelvin van der Linde
Red Bull factory pilot Kelvin van der Linde, who was struck on the doors by Paul in the accident, is already targeting a return. The South African driver is training at the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre near Salzburg, aided by the same coaching network that supports Max Verstappen.
Van der Linde aims to race at the ADAC GT Masters weekend on the Nurburgring that follows, potentially marking a comeback at the next DTM round in Oschersleben.
As the season rolls on, the DTM paddock watches closely to see whether Paul’s driver’s comeback or the contested car repair can align with the imminent race schedule.
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