Lukas Stiefelhagen crowned 2025 NXT Gen Cup Champion as Siri Hökfelt takes historic victory
18-year-old Lukas Stiefelhagen secured the 2025 NXT Gen Cup title – the world’s first 100% electric junior touring car series – with two races to spare, while Swedish driver Siri Hökfelt made history as the championship’s first-ever female race winner, claiming victory in the Sachsenring double-header finale alongside DTM.
Dutch racer Lukas Stiefelhagen has finished on the podium in 11 consecutive races during the 2025 season, securing seven wins from twelve starts – including an unbeaten streak of seven consecutive competitive sessions. With an unassailable lead, he is crowned the NXT Gen Cup champion with two races remaining.
“It feels great. Of course, it’s a bit unfortunate not to be on the podium in this race, but I’m very happy to have secured the championship. There’s still one more day to go, and I’ll give it everything to win every session and finish the season on a high,” said Lukas Stiefelhagen.
Patricija Stalidzane stormed to impressive pole position
History was already made in Saturday morning’s qualifying session, as MYELE-backed driver Patricija Stalidzane claimed pole position with a dominant margin of 0.701 seconds – the largest in NXT Gen Cup history and the first-ever pole position by a female driver.
“Finally a pole position! Seven tenths is crazy – there’s really not much to complain about. The conditions suited me perfectly today, and I think that shows,” said Patricija Stalidzane.
Patricija Stalidzane.
Big drama in Race 1
The rollercoaster layout of the Sachsenring delivered plenty of action and drama on Saturday, especially in Race 1 which was red-flagged after multiple incidents. Among those involved were championship contenders Lukas Stiefelhagen and Maxim Dacher, who made contact – resulting in a puncture for Dacher and a trip into the gravel. However, due to red flag regulations and a count-back on laps, it was Dacher who was ultimately declared the winner, finishing ahead of pole-sitter Patricija Stalidzane, who secured her fourth podium of the season, and Stiefelhagen in third.
Historic win for Siri Hökfelt
History was made again in Race 2 at Sachsenring, as 18-year-old Siri Hökfelt became the first-ever female victor in NXT Gen Cup history. The Swedish racer passed debutant Finn Mache for the lead and controlled the pace before a late safety car sealed her maiden victory ahead of Julian Würtele and Mache in their Hankood-shoed LRT NXT1 race cars.
“I just won my first-ever NXT Gen Cup race – and it was also my first podium. I can’t quite believe it yet. I had really strong pace in both the dry and the wet, with purple sectors. It’s a great win. I need some time to process it, but I’m really, really happy,” said Siri Hökfelt.
“This feels amazing. I had a great start and took the lead. I made one mistake, but it’s still a podium. We have one more day to go – let’s see what I can do then,” said Finn Mache.
Julian Würtele, Siri Hökfelt, and Finn Mache.
The fight for the remaining championship podium spots continues on Sunday as the 2025 NXT Gen Cup season concludes with qualifying and two races. German racer Maxim Dacher currently holds second place, ahead of Philipp Dietrich, and Alex Gustafsson. With 66 points still up for grabs, everything is still to play for.
The final day of action alongside DTM kicks off with Qualifying 2 at 08:45, followed by Race 3 at 12:10 and the season finale, Race 4, at 16:30.
All sessions will be broadcast LIVE on the NXT Gen Cup YouTube channel.
Sunday schedule (CEST):
08:45 – Qualifying 2
12:30 – Race 3
15:00 – Autograph Session
16:30 – Race 4
About NXT Gen Cup
The NXT Gen Cup is the world’s first 100% electric junior touring car cup where young female and male drivers race the LRT NXT1, a fully electric race car based on the MINI Cooper SE road car - engineered and built by Lestrup Racing Team. The series races together with DTM and is organized through an “arrive and drive” concept, enabling the junior drivers to focus on driving and creating the foundation for a professional racing career.
About DTM
DTM is Europe’s premier and best-known racing series and celebrated its 40th birthday in 2024. As one of the most competitive racing series, DTM features seven prestigious brands in its anniversary season. The DTM has a German core, but a strong international fan base. Races are broadcasted live in 150 territories. The series is also a leader in sustainable motorsport. For the second season, all cars are powered by a sustainable fuel made of 50% renewable components. Not only the cars racing in DTM are in the centre of sustainable projects. For the events itself the ADAC as promoter of the DTM offers innovations like an initiative to reduce plastic waste and a digital carpool solution, which has been recognised and awarded by the FIA.