“The DTM is a very professional racing series with cool-looking cars and thrilling races,” Verstappen said after extensively testing the seat in Ekström’s Red Bull Audi RS 5 DTM. “Mattias is a very strong driver. As a Red Bull man, I’m happy about his success.”
But the DTM finale was not the only thing enticing the youngster to travel to Hockenheim between the two Formula One races at Sochi and Austin, as Verstappen’s girlfriend, Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, competes in the Audi Sport TT Cup. Like Mattias Ekström, the 22-year-old hails from Sweden.