Dries Vanthoor Bio
Early Life and Background
Dries Vanthoor was born on April 20, 1998, in Heusden-Zolder, Limburg, Belgium. He grew up in a family with a passion for motorsports, which influenced his early interest in racing. Vanthoor began his racing career in karting, a discipline he pursued until 2014, before stepping up to junior formula racing.
In 2015, he competed in the Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup, where he secured a win at Assen and finished sixth in the overall standings. This early exposure to competitive racing laid the foundation for his future success in the sport.
Path to FIA World Endurance Championship
Vanthoor transitioned to sports car racing in 2016, joining the Belgian Audi Club Team WRT. He participated in both the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup and GT Series Sprint Cup, where he showcased his potential by achieving multiple podium finishes during his rookie season. His performance caught the attention of Audi Sport, leading to his appointment as a factory driver in 2018.
Over the next few years, Vanthoor established himself as a prominent figure in endurance racing, earning accolades such as the 2018 Bathurst 12 Hours and the 2019 24 Hours of Nürburgring. His partnership with Charles Weerts in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup resulted in three consecutive championship titles from 2020 to 2022.
Dries Vanthoor Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
Vanthoor’s professional racing career began in 2016 with the Belgian Audi Club Team WRT. He made a strong impression in the Blancpain GT Series, earning two podium finishes in the Endurance Cup and competing alongside his brother Laurens in the Sprint Cup. His notable performances included a second-place finish at Silverstone and a victory in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in the Cup 5 class.
In 2017, he continued with WRT, achieving significant success in the Sprint Cup with two victories and a podium finish in Germany. His crowning achievement that year came at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he set a lap record in qualifying and secured a dominant win in the LMGTE Am class.
GT World Challenge Europe Breakthrough (2018–2022)
In 2018, Vanthoor won the prestigious Bathurst 12 Hours, partnering with Robin Frijns and Stuart Leonard. He continued to compete in both the Sprint and Endurance Cups, achieving notable results, including a victory at Monza in the Endurance Cup.
The 2019 season saw Vanthoor take three wins, including a significant overall victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. His partnership with Weerts blossomed in 2020, leading them to win the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup championship, followed by successful title defenses in 2021 and 2022. Their impressive performance included multiple race wins and podium finishes, solidifying their status as a dominant pairing in the series.
BMW M Team WRT Era (2023–Present)
In 2023, Vanthoor transitioned to BMW M Team WRT, marking a new chapter in his career. He began the season by defending his title at the Dubai 24 Hours and continued to compete in both the Sprint and Endurance Cups. While the Endurance Cup presented challenges, resulting in a disappointing eleventh-place finish, he and Weerts performed admirably in the Sprint Cup, securing a victory at Valencia and finishing third in points.
Looking ahead to 2024, Vanthoor was confirmed to join the WRT-run BMW Hypercar program, where he will drive the BMW M Hybrid V8 in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Vanthoor is known for his exceptional driving skills, particularly in endurance racing. His strategic approach to races, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, has made him a formidable competitor. His partnership with WRT has allowed him to refine his craft and achieve significant success in various racing series.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout his career, Vanthoor has achieved several notable milestones, including winning the Bathurst 12 Hours and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. His three consecutive titles in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup from 2020 to 2022 highlight his consistency and skill as a race car driver.
Dries Vanthoor Career Wins
Dries Vanthoor has accumulated numerous wins across various racing series, establishing himself as a prominent figure in endurance racing. His victories include prestigious events such as the Bathurst 12 Hours and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, as well as multiple championships in the GT World Challenge Europe.
Current FIA World Endurance Championship Series Highlights
As of 2025, Vanthoor continues to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship with BMW M Team WRT. He has already achieved a pole position at the 2025 24 Hours of Daytona and is a strong contender in the series.
Previous GT World Challenge Europe Series Achievements
In the GT World Challenge Europe, Vanthoor’s impressive record includes three consecutive Sprint Cup championships from 2020 to 2022, along with multiple race wins and podium finishes that solidified his legacy in the series.
Dries Vanthoor Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Dries Vanthoor is the younger brother of Laurens Vanthoor, a well-known Porsche factory driver. The Vanthoor family has a strong connection to motorsports, which has influenced both brothers’ careers in racing.
Personal Life
Details regarding Vanthoor’s personal life remain private, with a focus primarily on his racing career and achievements.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a significant year for Dries Vanthoor as he competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship with the BMW M Hybrid V8. He began the year with a strong performance at the 24 Hours of Daytona, securing pole position and demonstrating his capabilities as a front-runner. However, the race ended with a fourth-place finish due to mechanical issues.
As the season progresses, Vanthoor aims to build on his early successes and contend for podium finishes in upcoming races. His experience and skill will be crucial as he navigates the challenges of endurance racing, particularly in the competitive environment of the FIA World Endurance Championship.