Mirko Bortolotti – DTM Champion 2024: A Dream Come True
On October 20, 2024, Mirko Bortolotti achieved the pinnacle of his racing career, capturing his first-ever DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) title during the season finale in Hockenheim. As a Lamborghini factory driver, this triumph was a culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and overcoming setbacks. “This is the happiest day of my life. Lamborghini gave me a chance ten years ago and believed in me ever since. I still remember last year’s title fight when I shed a few tears after losing. That makes this championship even more special,” Bortolotti shared after the victory celebration.
This win marks not only Bortolotti’s first DTM title but also a historic first for Lamborghini in the series’ 40-year history. For SSR Performance, the Munich-based team that Bortolotti races for, this title is a monumental achievement, following their previous success in the ADAC GT Masters championship in 2020.
A Journey Rooted in Perseverance
Bortolotti’s journey to becoming a DTM champion is a testament to his resilience. Born in Trento, Italy, and raised near Lake Garda and Vienna, Bortolotti knew from a young age that he wanted to become a racing driver. “When I was five, I saw the Alfa Romeo driven by Giancarlo Fisichella at the Bologna Motor Show and immediately fell in love with motorsport. I started karting, even though no one in my family had any connection to racing,” he recalled.
Despite his love for racing, Bortolotti’s parents insisted that he complete his high school education. Balancing his studies with a burgeoning racing career, Bortolotti graduated with strong grades, excelling in English, a skill he knew would be crucial for his international career. “I took an English course as a kid because I wanted to understand the post-race interviews on TV,” he said, reflecting on how early he set his mind on success.
Rising Through the Ranks
Bortolotti made the transition from karting to single-seaters after eleven years of kart racing, benefiting from Italy’s youth racing development program. His talent quickly shone through, as he clinched the Italian Formula 3 title in 2008 and later became the FIA Formula 2 champion in 2011. This led to stints as a Formula 1 test driver for Ferrari, Toro Rosso, and Williams. However, Bortolotti was pragmatic about the challenges of breaking into F1: “Back then, teams wanted seasoned champions, not young, developing drivers. The tests went well, but it wasn’t enough, and that’s something you have to accept.”
Lamborghini and the GT Racing Success
In 2014, Bortolotti began a new chapter in his career, joining Lamborghini Squadra Corse. After just two races as a junior driver, he was promoted to the factory team in 2015. Success followed swiftly. Bortolotti won the Blancpain GT Series and the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup in 2017, and in 2019, he finished as runner-up in the ADAC GT Masters.
His accolades extended beyond Europe. “One of my greatest achievements was winning the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2018. It was Lamborghini’s first victory in a 24-hour race, and it was a historic and emotional moment that I will never forget,” Bortolotti said. He went on to defend this victory in the GTD class the following year, solidifying his reputation as one of the top endurance racers.
The 2024 DTM Season: A Rollercoaster to Glory
Despite his remarkable career, a DTM title had eluded Bortolotti – until 2024. The season didn’t start smoothly, though. After securing second place in the first race, Bortolotti was leading in Oschersleben, but a botched pit stop cost him a potential win, leaving him in 15th place. “When something like that happens in DTM, your race is over. That moment really hurt,” he admitted.
However, Bortolotti’s persistence paid off. He bounced back and delivered a series of strong performances, culminating in his final push at Hockenheim, where he secured the championship, turning his long-held dream into reality.
In his post-race reflection, Bortolotti emphasized the importance of resilience and focus in his career. “This championship means the world to me. I’ve had many setbacks, but I never lost sight of my goals. Lamborghini gave me the platform to showcase what I can do, and I’m proud to have repaid their faith with this title.”
A Champion’s Legacy
Mirko Bortolotti’s 2024 DTM title not only stands as a personal triumph but also as a landmark victory for Lamborghini, cementing both his and the brand’s legacy in motorsport history. His journey from karting in Italy to the top of the DTM has been one of unwavering dedication, and with this achievement, Bortolotti has truly etched his name among the greats of the sport.
