Aston Martin title contender Nicki Thiim expressed significant frustration after finishing 11th in Saturday’s DTM race at the Nurburgring, criticizing the series organization and Mercedes-AMG. “Oschersleben was bad, but this is absolutely next level. I’m super disappointed. What is going on here right now is simply a disgrace,” the Dane stated.
Thiim highlighted the contentious battle with Landgraf Mercedes driver Tom Kalender for ninth place, which resulted in a penalty-lap sanction. He accused Mercedes-AMG of instructing Kalender to impede his progress, stating, “With Tom, it is clear to see what his job was: not to let me past at any cost!,” referring to the alleged collaboration to benefit teammates Maro Engel and Lucas Auer in the title fight.
He detailed the incident, noting, “That was absolutely clear on the first lap. Completely shoved into the dirt—exit of Turn 5,” referring to an earlier collision involving Luca Engstler. On the third lap, Thiim attempted to overtake Kalender in the chicane, claiming Kalender “moved completely across in the braking zone” despite DTM’s fair-play principles.
“I’m Already Noticing How This Works Here in the DTM”
“And he moves completely across in the braking zone,” Thiim continued, asserting Kalender’s intent was solely to prevent his progress. He further criticized the perceived disparity in treatment, stating, “The other manufacturers get these glory moments—Norisring, Lausitzring. And then we get turned down completely,” suggesting unfair Balance of Performance adjustments after his strong performances.
Nicki Thiim ahead of Tom Kalender in DTM’s first race at the Nurburgring
In the overall standings, Thiim trails DTM leader Engel by 30 points. Kalender responded to Thiim’s accusations, stating, “I deliberately looked in the mirror when I saw him approaching. ‘I drove down the straight and decided not to block, because it simply wasn’t possible—and then he still sends it in.’ Kalender also noted Thiim’s prior contact at Oschersleben, adding, “It wasn’t as consequential as now, but I honestly don’t think it’s very sporting.” The penalty stemmed from Thiim’s right-front wheel impacting Kalender’s exhaust, positioned ahead of the rear wheel, leading to race director Sven Stoppe’s decision.