A Conversation with Yannick Mettler, Professional Race Car Driver, Coach, and Entrepreneur

From go-kart driver to international racing pro: Yannick Mettler has turned his passion into a career and now regularly competes against the world’s best GT3 drivers. The Lucerne native has been active on the international scene since many years — achieving success in all kinds of Formula, touring car, and GT series, as well as in numerous 24-hour races. In addition to motorsports, the certified mechanical engineer has established himself as a coach and Senior Consultant, built two businesses, and is actively involved in promoting young talent.

How did your passion for motorsports begin, and when did you realize that you wanted to pursue racing professionally?
Motorsports have been a part of my life since I was a child. My grandfather raced in hill climbs and my father raced motocross. I got into racing myself through go-kart racing, initially just as a hobby. Later, when I happened to drive a race car for the first time, it became clear to me: I want to do this professionally.

The early years in motorsports are often challenging. How did you experience that phase, and what hurdles did you have to overcome?
It was a long, turbulent, and difficult time. The biggest challenge was the high cost. Even at a young age, I had to take on a lot of responsibility, because mistakes are extremely expensive in motorsports. On top of that, there were hardly any resources or places to turn to for advice in Switzerland. I had to figure out a lot of things on my own.

Many people see motorsports primarily as speed and action. How much work and preparation actually goes into a race weekend?
Much more than you’d think: physical training, simulator work, test drives, and weeks of preparation with the team and engineers are all part of everyday life. In endurance races, the pressure and effort increase significantly. It’s not just about driving fast—it’s also about strategy, perfect pit stops, and tire and fuel management.

Is there a racing moment you’re particularly proud of?
There isn’t just one moment—there are many milestones in my career. The most recent major milestone was the 2024 Spa 24-Hour Race. It’s one of the toughest races there is, and the weather conditions this year were more challenging than ever—which made the joy of standing at the very top of the podium all the greater.

You operate in an environment where success or failure often comes down to details. How do you deal with setbacks or missed goals?
Disappointments still weigh on me for a few days, even today, but they’re part of the game. What’s important is to learn from them and keep looking ahead. Sports as a school of life have had an enormous impact on my mental strength and perseverance.

You studied mechanical engineering at ETH Zurich. How does your engineering background benefit you in motorsports?
Especially when communicating with the engineers. It allows us to exchange ideas on an equal footing, and I can actively contribute to the car’s setup. It has also opened up exciting opportunities, such as the development of high-quality racing simulators.

Today, you’re not only a race car driver but also a Senior Consultant, coach, and entrepreneur. What motivates you to pursue entrepreneurial ventures alongside motorsports?
I’m a curious person and enjoy trying new things. I find it particularly exciting that my various activities mesh together like gears. New experiences from one area can often be applied to the others. That way, you’re constantly improving in every area.

Gewerbe-Treuhand has been supporting you since many years ago. How has this partnership developed, and what role do external expert partners play for you as a business owner?
It has always been important to me to understand the connections behind numbers and processes. At Gewerbe-Treuhand, I gained deep insights right from the start and was actively involved. Over the years, this has fostered a strong foundation of trust. As an entrepreneur, I appreciate having a reliable point of contact by my side and receiving straightforward, efficient solutions.

What are your goals for the coming years—both on the racetrack and as a business owner?
In motorsports, you generally can’t plan for the long term—it’s a very dynamic environment. As long as I’m motivated and the conditions are right, I’ll continue to race actively for a few more years. After that, I can easily imagine expanding my coaching and consulting services further. Right now, for example, I’m exploring the possibilities surrounding AI and automation. Another option would be to join my family’s construction business. So things remain exciting.

What advice would you give to young people who want to forge their own path in sports or entrepreneurship?
When pursuing unconventional career paths, you’ll encounter critics and doubters more often than supporters. But if you’re convinced of a goal, you shouldn’t let anyone dissuade you from your path. Perseverance, tenacity, and confidence in your own abilities pay off in the long run.

Contact: info@yannickmettler.ch
yannickmettler.ch