The future of the Grasser Racing Team and its star driver, Mirko Bortolotti, is surrounded by rumors about a possible move to McLaren for the 2027 season. This speculation has been present in the DTM environment over the past few weeks, and now specialized media such as MOTORSPORT aktuell have highlighted this potential transition.
According to sources like Motorsport-Total.com, it is suggested that, despite Grasser’s 12-year history with Lamborghini, this change is plausible. Currently, Lamborghini will compete in the DTM in 2026 with two vehicles from McLaren through Dorr Motorsport. Moreover, 36-year-old Bortolotti is not expected to continue with the Italian brand next year but could also join McLaren.
A change in direction
At first glance, this shift may seem surprising, but it alludes to the significant transformations that Lamborghini has undergone in recent years. A year ago, Giorgio Sanna, former sporting director and test driver at Lamborghini, accepted a new position at McLaren within its GT division.
Sanna, who built Lamborghini’s motorsport department, left the company in 2024. Recently, there have been turbulences within Lamborghini, with the departure of several key figures and the interruption of major projects, while at McLaren there is an atmosphere of optimism since Sanna’s arrival.
McLaren’s expectations
With plans to transform McLaren into a powerful GT3 brand, Sanna is looking to integrate new teams and drivers before the launch of its GT3 vehicle in 2028. Although the move of Grasser to McLaren has not been confirmed, the Abt team has declared its intention to continue with Lamborghini.
As for Bortolotti, who won the DTM title two years ago and has built his career with Lamborghini since 2015, he has indicated that his contract with the brand ends at the end of the year. When asked about a possible move, Bortolotti joked, asking ‘Why McLaren? Formula 1, or what?’
Future projects
Bortolotti has stated that he has always been interested in vehicles with more downforce than GT3s, an ambition that did not materialize at Lamborghini, as his LMDh SC63 was not competitive. A switch to McLaren could allow him the opportunity to compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with a hypercar.
Despite his recent appearance at the Lamborghini Worlds in Monza, where he declared himself a ‘nec as a stroller,’ his attendance does not necessarily imply that he will continue with the brand next year. Likewise, the difficulties in his title defense in the DTM have not been easy, with a poor result in the 2025 standings.
The outlook seems complicated for Bortolotti, who is facing a time of uncertainty in his career. Despite questions about his future, known for his great performances, he will now have to make crucial decisions for the upcoming year. His immediate future at McLaren will herald a new phase in his professional career.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
