Mick Schumacher Considers New Challenge with Alpine’s WEC Team for 2024

Formula 1 Driver Mick Schumacher Explores Options Beyond F1 in the World Endurance Championship

Mick Schumacher, the son of the legendary seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher, found himself off the Formula 1 grid at the conclusion of the 2022 season. His two seasons with Haas were characterized by disappointment, with only two points finishes in 44 race appearances.

Initially joining Mercedes as their reserve driver last winter, Schumacher harbored hopes of returning to a Formula 1 race seat in 2024. However, a lack of opportunities has compelled the young German, who clinched the prestigious Formula 2 title in 2020, to explore options beyond the realm of Formula 1.

In recent developments, Schumacher participated in an extensive test at the Jerez circuit in Spain, where he had the opportunity to drive Alpine’s Hypercar. The test was conducted with the aim of securing one of the six available seats in Alpine’s two-car World Endurance Championship (WEC) program for the 2024 season.

Eric Famin, the director of Alpine’s racing program, expressed satisfaction with Schumacher’s performance during the test and confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding a potential deal.

 

 

Famin stated, “Mick tested the car in Jerez, and we were very pleased with his overall performance and how he integrated with the team. I believe he was also content with the experience. This means we are still in discussions about the possibility of working together next year, but we are at a preliminary stage.”

Mick Schumacher, who has primarily competed in single-seater cars in his career, acknowledged that driving a prototype hypercar was a significantly different experience. He described the car as large and heavy, with a fully enclosed cockpit that initially felt somewhat claustrophobic. However, he quickly adapted to the unique features of the vehicle.

In contrast to Formula 1, endurance racing requires drivers to share the car, adding an extra layer of complexity. Schumacher found the challenge of maintaining a car’s performance over a 24-hour race particularly intriguing.

Furthermore, he highlighted the differences in driving experience, such as not being able to feel whether the tires are changed. Instead, small lights indicate this information. The sealed cockpit and the unexpected airflow from the cooling system also presented adjustments he had to make.

Schumacher explained, “The biggest change for me was the airflow in the back. There is a cooling system that blows air, which I wasn’t initially prepared for. We used a Le Mans setup on a track where high downforce is the norm, which made the car feel slower and less agile due to its weight of 1,000 kilograms. The presence of traction control also offered a completely different driving experience.”

It’s worth noting that six of the eight circuits on the 2024 WEC calendar overlap with the current Formula 1 schedule, including Lusail, Imola, Spa, Interlagos, Circuit of The Americas, and Sakhir. The only exceptions are the Circuit de la Sarthe, home to the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours event, and Fuji Speedway, which last hosted Formula 1’s Japanese Grand Prix in 2008. Schumacher’s potential transition to the WEC marks a significant shift in his motorsport career.