What does it mean to you to compete for ABT Sportsline in the DTM?
I practically grew up with the DTM and even as a child it was my dream to become a DTM driver myself. This dream came true last season. To be able to continue living this dream with ABT Sportsline is something very special for me. Signing with ABT for the DTM is like signing with FC Bayern as a footballer. ABT and DTM are so closely connected. It’s like being part of a traditional club like FC Bayern in football. Now being part of ABT Sportsline in the DTM means a lot to me personally.
This year you are again working together with Mirko Bortolotti. How is your relationship?
It’s great to continue working as a team-mate with Mirko. I was able to support him on his way to winning the title in my first full DTM season. With all his experience and what I’ve learnt last year, we can achieve a lot together with our new team. I have a lot of respect for him. We are all professionals, especially in the DTM – there are only top-class drivers there. Mirko is one of the best. Being Italian, he can also be loud. It’s a funny combination with a down-to-earth Dane. We work well together and took the team forward last year to win the championship. Of course, we want to do the same with our new DTM family.
Your father Kurt was the 1986 DTM Champion and one of the most successful and popular DTM drivers in the 80s and 90s. What would it mean to you to become a DTM champion yourself?
As a boy, I watched my dad – even then, winning the DTM title was a big dream of mine. Well, first of all it was a dream to get into the DTM in the first place. That took 20 years. The first victory last year at the Norisring was a huge milestone. It makes me proud to have a DTM victory on my CV. Of course you want to build on that. Winning the DTM title is my ultimate dream.
Did you always want to be a racer?
I grew up with the DTM. I was born in 1989, the year my dad started working for AMG. When you’re four or five years old, there comes a time when you absorb everything your parents do. Of course, my dad was the hero at that time, and it was clear to me that I wanted to be like him in some way. The DTM shaped me, so being a racing driver and competing in DTM was always my biggest dream. I’ve always done a lot of sports and also played a lot of football. I could well have imagined becoming a professional footballer. But I always wanted to be a racing driver.
Nicki Thiim: “Signing with ABT for the DTM is like signing with FC Bayern as a footballer.”
Back to the present. You won your first race with the Lamborghini at the Norisring last year. Have you got used to the Huracán?
2024 was my first full season with the Lamborghini. It’s always about fine-tuning and small details, especially in the DTM. Getting the best out of a race car at the limit is always difficult. But that’s what we love about this sport. I’m really motivated for this season. With such a good package, anything is possible.
Your motto is ‘Go hard or go home’, which was already on Mattias Ekström’s helmet at ABT Sportsline. What’s the story behind it?
I had that slogan on my helmet at the beginning of my career. I could have added
‘trophy or hospital’, because either the thing was somewhere in the wall or in the woods, or I had the big trophy at home. I saw the saying in a cartoon once and thought it was just right for me. It keeps me young and risk-taking. Every time I put the helmet on, I am reminded of that.
Then you are a perfect fit for Red Bull and the action sports they promote …
The first day with Red Bull on the film set in the Alps was exactly what I expected: just rock ’n’ roll. It was so much fun with the whole crew. And the results are phenomenal. As an athlete, having Red Bull on your clothes makes you smile – and it puts a bit of pressure on you, but in a healthy way. I am very proud to be representing Red Bull.
Which DTM race are you most looking forward to this year?
All of them. This series is great fun. The Norisring is particularly close to my heart, with the fans at the track and the unique atmosphere. Winning my first DTM race there was fantastic. It would be cool to race on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in the DTM. Three or four DTM laps there, as hard as they used to be when my dad was racing – to experience that again would be a big wish of mine.
What does Nicki Thiim do in his spare time?
In my spare time I like to do anything that gets my pulse over 140. So, adrenaline sports, anything that’s fun and keeps your body and mind young. That’s what I love. So always testing your own limits, whether it’s in the mountains or in the basement with some weights. It doesn’t matter. Just keep pushing yourself to the limit to stay physically and mentally fit.
Interesting facts about Nicki Thiim
Start number: 2
Date of birth: 17th April 1989
Birthplace: Sønderborg (Denmark)
Place of residence: Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
Partner: Sabrina
Hobbies: Anything that gets my heart rate over 140 – working out and feeling healthy
Fitness: Lifting weights, cardio, walking, cycling – anything that keeps you fit
Favourite food: We Danes eat everything, but we like a lot of meat – there is nothing better than a big tomahawk steak.
Favourite drink: Five espressos in the morning
Motto in life: Go hard or go home!
Dream in life: DTM Champion
Dream car from ABT Sportsline RS Q8 Legacy Edition
Career aspiration as a child: Racing driver or footballer
Favourite sport: Football
Favourite club: FC Bayern Munich
Childhood idols: Kurt Thiim and people like Johnny Cecotto, Steve Soper or Jockel Winkelhock
Favourite DTM circuits: Norisring and Zandvoort
Favourite circuits outside the DTM: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Best corner in the world: Combinations like Hohe Acht to Pflanzgarten
Greatest success in motorsport: Winning Le Mans
Bucket list race: Super GT in Japan