The Ford Mustang GT3 is undergoing a significant mid-cycle update for the 2026 season, with the introduction of the Evo package. While the car debuted just two years ago, Ford and its key partner, Haupt Racing Team (HRT), are already working to address performance shortcomings identified during its initial competitive run, particularly in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM).
The rollout of the Evo package hasn’t been without its challenges. Initial testing plans at Portimao in December were thwarted by a technical issue stemming from a customer team crash. Further delays occurred in January at Estoril due to unfavorable weather conditions. HRT is now aiming to conduct the first official test of the updated Mustang GT3 Evo in early February, again at the Portimao circuit, according to team principal Ulrich Fritz.
“A lot of areas have been addressed — and I believe the biggest challenges of the car have been tackled,” Fritz stated, expressing confidence in the improvements. “In theory, these are the right measures. The data also looks promising. So I believe this is a step in the right direction.”
Addressing the Mustang’s Initial Weaknesses
The primary struggle for the Mustang GT3 in its first DTM season centered around a lack of front-end downforce. This deficiency made the car difficult to maneuver through corners, a problem exacerbated by its relatively long wheelbase, which inherently limits agility. Beyond cornering, teams also battled with tire overheating and inconsistent braking performance, hindering their ability to consistently match the performance levels of rival cars within the DTM’s Balance of Performance (BoP) regulations.
Fritz explained the complexities of competing under BoP rules. “The BoP officials could give us a huge restrictor, which made the car much faster on the straights than anything else — but you don’t win races like that,” he said. The issue wasn’t simply about raw speed; the Mustang’s straight-line advantage didn’t translate into competitive lap times due to its handling limitations in corners.
New Wheels and Braking System Key to Improvements
The Evo package focuses on three key areas: aerodynamics, kinematics, and braking. A significant portion of the update centers on improving heat management, particularly concerning the tires. According to Fritz, the team is introducing a new wheel design intended to address this issue. “Our problem was that the tyre was getting far too hot,” he explained.
The new wheels are designed to not only conduct less heat but also to actively extract hot air from the wheel wells. “They are much more open,” Fritz said. “They should also be better for pitstops, which was another one of our problems.” HRT mechanics previously experienced delays during tire changes due to difficulty securing a firm grip on the wheels, a problem the new design aims to resolve.
Improvements to the braking system are also a core component of the update. “We have a new braking system that, in theory, should generate less heat,” Fritz noted, contributing to a more balanced overall performance package.
Realistic Expectations for the DTM Season
While the updates represent a substantial effort, Fritz tempered expectations for immediate dominance. “Will the car wipe the floor with everything at Oschersleben? No, I don’t think so. The concept just isn’t suited to that — with the long wheelbase and so on,” he said. However, he expressed certainty that the Mustang GT3 Evo will be more competitive than its predecessor. “Will we be in a better position than last year? Yes, I’m certain of that.”
HRT’s extensive data collection played a crucial role in informing the development of the Evo package. The team leveraged insights gained from fielding a significant number of Mustangs – eight out of a total of 14 – in various events, including the Nurburgring Nordschleife. “We definitely gathered the most data of anyone, because we fielded the most cars,” Fritz explained. This data, combined with input from Pirelli and Yokohama tire manufacturers, helped pinpoint areas for improvement and validate the effectiveness of the proposed changes.
The Mustang GT3 Evo is slated to make its competitive debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona, marking the culmination of a development process that began as soon as the original car entered global competition. The updates represent a targeted refinement of an already proven platform, aiming to unlock the Mustang’s full potential on the racetrack.
