Maximilian secures victory overall in Deutsche Post Speed Academy

Günther ‘Germany’s Motorsport Talent of the Year’

A successful sporting year is ending with a very special highlight for Maximilian Günther. The 17-year-old was accorded the accolade of ‘Germany’s Motorsport Talent of the Year’ at the Essen Motor Show. Maximilian secured overall victory at the Deutsche Post Speed Academy in his first year on Germany’s most successful racing support programme. The young German beat off competition from five fellow competitors, winning two of four assessment periods. In addition to the award, Maxi receives 70,000 euros towards furthering his future racing career.

“This overall victory in the Deutsche Post Speed Academy is like a dream come true for me, “said a delighted Maximilian. “I’m very proud to have achieved this success in my first year at the Speed Academy. Being accepted on the support programme was a great success in itself and an important step on my way to becoming a professional racing driver – I would never have thought that I would forge ahead so quickly. I am particularly grateful for the trust that the jury has placed in me and would like to thank all those involved.”

During the entire season, Maximilian was under close observation by a renowned jury, who were evaluating the performance of Germany’s top juniors both on and off the race track. The nine jury members included BMW Director of Motorsport Jens Marquardt, former Mercedes-Benz Motorsport principal Norbert Haug, DTM star Timo Glock and RTL top reporter Kai Ebel. Maxi impressed the jury with his performance in the various workshops and his successful defence of his position as championship runner-up in the Formel ADAC.

Maximilian has big shoes to fill as overall winner at the Deutsche Post Speed Academy. In the past ten years, its support programme has produced many well-known motor racing drivers, including Formula 1 drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Adrian Sutil, as well as DTM aces Timo Glock and Marco Wittmann. “Former graduates of the academy show where the future lies,” said Maximilian.

Maxi received his award on Friday, November 29th, 2014 at a ceremony taking place during Auto Bild’s traditional race night in Essen. Formula 1 championship runner-up Nico Rosberg and DTM champion Marco Wittmann were among those honoured at this gala evening in the presence of several hundred guests from business, media and motor racing.

After two successful years in Formel ADAC, achieving six wins, 21 podiums and 14 pole positions, Maximilian is now aiming to take the next step up the career ladder. In 2015, he would like to compete in the FIA Formula 3 championship which has produced Formula 1 stars like Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. Maximilian: “We are currently in discussion with partners and supporters to bring the project to fruition. There’s a good chance that I’ll be moving up into Formula 3 next year. I’m 100 percent ready for the next step!”

Foto: Alexander Trienitz