Liam Lawson’s 2021 DTM livery has finally been revealed. Meanwhile, fellow New Zealander Nick Cassidy has been confirmed to join the Red Bull squad at select events this year.
Lawson, Cassidy and ex-Formula 1 driver Alex Albon will make up a two-car Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo team for the eight-round season.
Lawson will race in the full championship while Albon and Cassidy will share duties in the team’s second car.
Cassidy is a two-time champion of the Toyota Racing Series with titles in 2012 and 2013. He then claimed the “triple crown” of championships in Japan – Super Formula, Super GT and All-Japan Formula 3.
The turbo-charged 488 GT3s the two Kiwis and Albon will be driving this year are prepped by three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner AF Corse.
Since winning its debut race in 2016, 488 GT3 has rocketed to status as one of the most successful models in Ferrari history, with a current overall and class tally of 355 victories, 640 podiums and 91 championships across 636 races.
Equally as impressive is the look of Red Bull’s new livery.
Lawson will sport an awe-gazing Red Bull-inspired design, which features a vicious mix of light and dark colours.
Albon and Cassidy will run in the colours of Red Bull’s fashion brand AlphaTauri in a paint scheme that replicates the AlphaTauri F1 livery.
The 2021 DTM season will be the first year that runs under GT-Pro regulations.
Following the exits of the factory Audi and BMW teams last year, GT-Pro aims to be more cost-efficient than the former Class One regulations.
Despite being GT3-based, GT-Pro will have cars with modifications to improve performance without significantly increasing costs.
“GT racing is going to be very new to me. I am super excited for this opportunity in such a high-level series with world class drivers, and to team up with someone who has top experience like Alex,” Lawson said. “I’m also super excited to drive the Ferrari.”
Head of DTM, Gerhard Berger said: “Both Red Bull and Ferrari are leading global players that represent absolute success in the world of motorsports and beyond.
“The unprecedented collaboration of the three high-class drivers is particularly promising: Formula 1 driver and podium finisher Alex Albon, GT professional and multiple race-winner Nick Cassidy and young talent Liam Lawson in one team.
“It is the perfect mix, which will keep the excitement level high in the upcoming DTM season.”