Red Bull withdraws from DTM ... Transfer of ownership to ADAC is a decisive factor[F1-Gate.com]

Red Bull has decided not to participate in the 2023 season of the DTM (German Touring Car Championship) following ownership being taken over by ADAC.

Red Bull headquarters in Austria have made the decision to end the DTM program in 2023, ending the energy drink giant’s involvement as team owner after just two seasons.

Red Bull had previously green-lit plans to continue with the DTM in 2023, when AF Corse was due to introduce two new Ferrari 296 GT3s.

However, the DTM has undergone an unexpected change of ownership over the winter. Gerhard Berger sells promotional rights to German car club ADAC, prompting a change of heart for Red Bull.

The decision to cancel the project is not a complete surprise as Gerhard Berger, who was central to Red Bull’s return to the DTM in 2021, will have no role in managing the DTM from 2023.

Gerhard Berger has enjoyed a long association with Red Bull that spans decades and was, in fact, the first athlete to be sponsored by the brand in 1989. He was also co-owner of the Formula 1 team then known as Toro Rosso from 2006 to 2008.

In a recent interview, Gerhard Berger hinted that his departure from DTM ownership and management could mean the end of Red Bull’s forays in the DTM.

“Red Bull is very connected to me as an individual through almost 40 years of partnership,” said Berger.

“Therefore, it is likely to happen. That decision is up to Red Bull.”

Red Bull’s exit means AF Corse won’t be in the DTM next year either, as the project was funded by the energy drink maker and also supplied to the drivers. Nick Cassidy and Felipe Fraga are also unlikely to return to the DTM.

Nick Cassidy is already under contract with Envision in Formula E and is also linked to Bathurst Enduro Drive with supercar powerhouse Triple Eight Race Engineering. A return to the GTEAM-ranked World Endurance Championship with the same AF Corse cannot be ruled out.

“If possible, I would like to race in the DTM,” Nick Cassity told ran.de.

“I had a great time there and improved, but I don’t think it will be possible next year.”

Meanwhile, Felipe Fraga will return to the Brazilian stock car series with the Bluestock team, aiming to add to the title he won in 2016.

Felipe Fraga hopes to secure a seat in the IMSA Sportscar Championship and has also been testing for title-winning Meyer Shank Racing in the past few months, but has decided against the team’s Acura ARX-06 and Tom Blomqvist’s seat was eventually won by Colin Brown.