BTCC: Chilton to remain at Team Vertu for 2026

Tom Chilton, after a solid 2025, will remain at the Team Vertu Hyundai outfit for 2026.

Chilton will be entering his twentieth BTCC season and his fifth season with the Team Vertu squad as the veteran of the sport continues to race the Hyundai i30 Fastback N for 2026. This means that Chilton would be entering his longest period remaining with a single team in his career. Starting his career in 2002 in the BTCC, his only period away from the BTCC was between 2012 and 2016 where he raced in the World Touring Car Championship, meaning his experience is almost unmatched.

Chilton, a former Independents Trophy winner, continues to use his wealth of experience and knowledge to lead the development of the Hyundai for the next season. Claiming eighteen victories and sixty-nine podiums over the course of his career, he claimed two of his wins and six of his podiums just last season in an excellent effort from Chilton.

Tom Chilton said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have extended my stay with EXCELR8 and Team VERTU as there is nowhere else in the paddock I would rather be. 

“Considering how long it is since I first joined the BTCC grid, I can honestly say that I’ve never had as much fun as I did this year and that is a reflection of how strong the team is. From top to bottom, every single person was focused on pushing for the very best results, which was reflected in the fact that we came away from 2025 with two of the three titles to our name.

“Having signed up for another season, my goal is clear and that is to challenge for the overall title as winning the BTCC title is why everyone on the grid goes racing. Considering how strong our package was this season, I’m hugely excited to see what 2026 holds when we have further refinements to make to the car and it’s going to seem like a long winter waiting to get down to business for round one!”

Justina Williams, Team Owner, said: “It’s fantastic that Tom will once again be part of our driver line-up for the 2026 season as he has become a hugely important part of the team in recent years.

“The knowledge and experience he brings cannot be underestimated, and his results on track were a key part in us securing championship honours again this year.

“We look forward to plenty more success together next year and have no doubt that Tom will be a contender at the front of the field from the start.”