In January, Lucas Auer was seriously injured in a violent training accident at Daytona – now the Mercedes driver reveals why the crash also had positive consequences
In a violent training accident before the 24h race in Daytona, Lucas Auer was seriously injured and suffered three lumbar vertebrae fractures. “It was my most violent accident, with a rehab of three months,” recalls the Austrian, who had to fear for his punctual DTM start for a long time. “In the end it was a driving mistake. I was lucky and I’m grateful. “
“I had a good surgery on site and also a great team in Austria,” Auer appreciates in an interview with ServusTV. The Mercedes driver even sees the positive consequences of his accident: “I learned a lot about my body. It was a great time and I’m more complete now because I also got to know the downside.”
“I was out of the sport for three months. I’ve never had that before,” says Auer, who currently feels no effects or late effects of the accident. “In the end, it also went quickly. It’s unbelievable what the body can do. I’m currently fit as a fiddle again. “
Best Mercedes driver despite lack of preparation
The preparation for the season was not easy for the Mercedes driver, however. Last season, Michelin tyres were used in the DTM, but due to the ADAC takeover, Pirelli tyres have been used since 2023, which are already familiar to most drivers from the ADAC GT Masters – but not for Auer. “Due to the accident, I had no preparation,” says the 29-year-old, who at least completed some test drives.
“Oschersleben was a test race,” says Auer. “The form curve had to go up. You could build up there, even if it was without preparation. But you can’t do without. Still, I’m proud of how we handled it.” Despite this disadvantage, the Austrian has quickly found his feet again, lying in ninth place in the overall standings as the best-placed Mercedes driver.
“I was ready from Oschersleben onwards,” confirms the veteran DTM driver. “I just ran out of preparation, but health-wise I was fit. I was also in a good state mentally.” The Mercedes driver denied that he has been approaching the races with increased caution or a “block in his head” since the accident.
Auer also with Mercedes-AMG in 2024
Auer already has plans and ideas for the 2024 season as well. “I still have a contract, I’ll still be with Mercedes next year,” says the Austrian, who extended his contract with Mercedes-AMG at the end of 2021. “I will set myself up well.”
“Then you have to see where I drive everywhere,” Whether the Mercedes driver will dare another attempt at the 24h race in Daytona? “Definitely. That’s a mega race. Maybe I would go on the gas a bit later in the first corner (laughs). “
