The Haupt Racing Team is continuing its successful path of promoting young talent in the ADAC GT Masters and has confirmed Max Reis (GER) as its sixth and final driver for the 2026 season. The 19-year-old from Ramstein will continue to race for the Drees-based team next year, thus continuing the successful collaboration.
- Max Reis to return to ADAC GT Masters with HRT in 2026
- With Emil Gjerdrum in the #1 Ford Mustang GT3 EVO
- Selected entries scheduled in GT World Challenge Europe
Max Reis will race alongside Emil Gjerdrum (NOR) in the #1 Ford Mustang GT3 EVO. In addition to competing in the ADAC GT Masters, selected entries in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup are planned, including the legendary CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, one of the most important endurance races in international GT racing. The recent winner of the new ADAC GT Masters Media Challenge shone in previous seasons at HRT with two pole positions, four podium finishes, and other top placings in the supercar league.
The Haupt Racing Team will field a strong driver lineup in the 2026 ADAC GT Masters. The sister car with start number #2 will be driven by Kiano Blum (AUT) and Niklas Kalus (GER), while Max Cuccarese (ITA) and Alain Valente (SUI) will be at the wheel of the #74 car. Together with Reis and Gjerdrum, HRT is thus relying on a balanced mix of experienced ADAC GT Masters drivers and up-and-coming talents.
A cornerstone of the Haupt Racing Team's philosophy is its commitment to developing young talent. HRT sees itself not only as a successful GT3 racing team, but also as a platform for the targeted development of young drivers according to the “Road to DTM” concept. Through long-term programs ranging from karting to GT racing, technical continuity, and participation on the national and international stage, HRT offers its young drivers the ideal conditions for establishing themselves in professional GT racing.
With the evolution model of the Ford Mustang GT3, a well-coordinated team, and clearly defined sporting goals, the Haupt Racing Team is looking forward with confidence to the 2026 season in the ADAC GT Masters, where the team will enter as defending champions. The continuation of the partnership with Max Reis and other drivers is a strong statement of continuity, performance orientation, and sustainable talent development in international GT racing.
Max Reis: "I am very happy to be racing for Haupt Racing Team again in 2026. HRT is the perfect environment for me to develop further. The team's trust means a lot to me, and together with Emil Gjerdrum in the Ford Mustang GT3 EVO, I want to consistently fight for strong results in the ADAC GT Masters. I am also very excited about the GT World Challenge Europe, which will definitely be a challenge. But I will do my best to deliver a good performance here too."
Ulrich Fritz, Chief Executive Officer Haupt Racing Team: "Max has developed excellently in recent years. He fits in perfectly with our philosophy and has shown that he has the potential to take the next step. Our collaboration with Max is now entering its third year, and we are proud that young drivers have been with us for years and have placed their trust in us to further develop their careers. Our work with young talent is an essential component of our sporting orientation. We don't just want to use talented drivers, we want to support and develop them in the long term – both in the ADAC GT Masters and at international level."
