The recent DTM race in Hockenheim has generated controversy after driver Lucas Auer allowed his teammate Maro Engel to pass during a key stage of the competition, sparking suspicions about possible illegal team orders.
Auer, despite winning the previous race in Hockenheim, is no longer in the title fight this year. His gesture occurred after a restart, where he slowed down in the Mercedes-Arena area, following Engel’s cues, who holds a more favorable position in the championship.
Since 2022, DTM regulations explicitly prohibit any kind of agreement between manufacturers or teams involving positioning orders. In the fifth lap of the race, Auer recorded a time 1.5 seconds slower than Engel in the second sector, a clear indication that he slowed down to let him pass. Engel, reacting to this maneuver, expressed his gratitude: ‘Friends like Lucas are always welcome, he became a great help at this moment.’
Rules on Team Orders
According to DTM’s sporting regulations, team orders are prohibited, specifying that no agreements can be made involving direct or indirect instructions to drivers regarding their behavior during a race or qualifying session.
Auer’s Explanation
Despite the speculation about a possible agreement, Auer defended his maneuver, explaining that it was a personal decision due to problems with his foot during the race. ‘It may sound a bit strange, but it was my decision. I had so many problems with my foot that I got a cramp and didn’t want to take unnecessary risks,’ he commented.
The German regulatory body, DMSB, reviewed the radio transmissions between the two drivers but found no evidence of any illegal instruction suggesting a planned position change between them. Although doubts persist, without concrete evidence, it is difficult to take action.
Consequences of the Race
Finally, despite the controversial exchange of positions between Auer and Engel, the latter finished fourth after a bad pit stop, thus losing valuable points in his title fight. He is now 22 points behind the championship leader, Thomas Preining, with only one round left to conclude the season.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
