Nick Cassidy is likely to miss the 2023 DTM season after his team, AF Corse, were withdrawn by owners Red Bull.
The withdrawal comes after the series’ was taken over by German car club ADAC. This followed the dissolution of previous owners ITR as a result of increasing financial pressure.
It had been previously confirmed Red Bull would run in 2023 with AF Corse in two new Ferrari 296 GT3s, however they have now U-turned on that decision.
ITR’s chairman, Gerhard Berger, has been long affiliated with the energy drink giants and had assisted in bringing them to the series just two seasons ago. He co-owned the then-Toro Rosso F1 team from 2006-2008 and was the first athlete to be sponsored by the brand back in 1989.
His departure also brings about the end of Red Bull’s time in DTM.
As a result, Cassidy and teammate Felipe Fraga are unlikely to return for a second season.
Cassidy still has plenty of options for the year, however, and is committed to a full-time assault on the Formula E season. AF Corse also run in the GTE AM class in the WEC championship, meaning cameos there are possible.
Despite this, he’s still disappointed to not be able to compete in DTM.
“I would love to race in DTM if it was possible,” the Kiwi told broadcaster ran.de.
“I had a great time there and built some strength. But I don’t think it will be possible next year.”
Cassidy missed half of this year’s season but went on a late charge to claim victory at Spa and a lights-to-flag win in Austria.
He was tipped to be a leading contender if he ran a full season.
The 2023 DTM season begins at Oschersleben on 26-28 May, minus it’s Red Bull runners.
Header Image: Julian Kroehl / Red Bull Content Pool
