Bernd Schneider holds the record for the most DTM races, but the veteran is feeling the pressure: which current driver is hot on the heels of the record champion?
There are DTM drivers who are closely associated with the racing series’ 40-year history, especially the long-serving drivers with the most appearances: a total of eight drivers have managed to break the historic mark of over 200 DTM races in the course of their careers.
There’s no doubt about it: The undisputed number one and current record holder with the most races is Bernd Schneider. The five-time overall winner, also known as “Mr. DTM,” competed in 236 DTM races between 1986 and 2008, giving him more race starts to his name than any other driver who has ever competed in the DTM.
But the successful DTM legend, who already had to relinquish the record for the most pole positions last year, now faces serious competition in this all-time ranking. With BMW’s recent announcement of who will be competing for the Munich-based team in 2026, another long-standing star is moving up the ranks.
Marco Wittmann chasing the current DTM record
Marco Wittmann currently has 210 starts under his belt – and could now pose a threat to Schneider. Provided the 36-year-old doesn’t have to miss any races this season, he would have a total of 226 races at the end of the year. That would leave him just ten races short of breaking the DTM record.
Although Wittmann would have to add another season in 2027 to finally catch up with the DTM veteran, the BMW driver would make a significant leap forward in the top 10 drivers with the most races after the 2026 season and move up into the top 3.
Find out where the two-time champion currently stands, where he will end up at the end of the 2026 season, and which well-known DTM legends will slip down the rankings as a result.
