P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Verstappen on DTM protege Vermeulen: He is always within two tenths of me
Vermeulen is gearing up for his second season in the DTM with Emil Frey Racing, following a rookie year where he finished 16th overall, achieving a best result of fifth at the Sachsenring. The 21-year-old will once again race a Ferrari 296 GT3 carrying the colors of Verstappen.com Racing, a project initiated by the triple F1 champion in 2022. Verstappen, who has mentored Vermeulen, believes the young Dutch driver has the potential to improve on his 2023 performance and deliver a strong showing in the DTM this season. While Vermeulen lacks experience compared to some DTM veterans like van der Linde and Wittmann, he is rapidly learning and showcasing his talent on track, according to Verstappen. The two remain in regular contact, with Vermeulen providing data for analysis, as they work together to enhance the young driver’s skills and performance. Verstappen tested the Ferrari 296 GT3 last year and praised its speed, emphasizing the importance of adapting to Balance of Performance regulations to maximize success in races.
