Mick Schumacher earns subsequent accolades for his cockpit performance.
The F1 seat at Alpine is now occupied, with Mick Schumacher missing out to Jack Doohan. Alpine, where the 25-year-old German competes in the World Endurance Championship, selected the 21-year-old son of Australian racing legend Mick Doohan. The duo of Doohan and Frenchman Pierre Gasly will fill Alpine's second cockpit next year, as announced during the first F1 Grand Prix post-summer break in Zandvoort.
This vacancy occurred due to Esteban Ocon's departure. The Frenchman will drive for the American Haas team starting from 2025. A test between Mick Schumacher and Doohan for the vacant seat had taken place a few weeks prior, with team principal Bruno Famin praising both contestants.
"Dedicated individual behind the scenes"
Famin is no longer in control at Alpine following turbulent weeks, with British Oliver Oakes stepping in as the new leader. Despite Flavio Briatore, Michael Schumacher's first two-time world championship team principal, consulting at Alpine, Briatore also plays a role in managing Jack Doohan.
Doohan expressed gratitude towards Alpine's management for their trust and confidence. He has been a part of the Alpine young driver program since 2022 and served as a test and reserve driver for the team before gaining this opportunity. Oakes spoke highly of his protégé, saying, "He's a dedicated individual behind the scenes, and his commitment is greatly valued by the entire team." Oakes had previously worked with Doohan in Formula 3 back in 2019. They'll form a "balance driver pairing" with fresh energy and experience.
Bad luck for Mick Schumacher
This development represents another closed door for Mick Schumacher. He drove for Haas in 2021 and 2022, but struggled under team principal Günther Steiner and missed out on a contract extension. Since the start of 2023, he has served as a reserve and test driver for Mercedes. However, Mercedes does not consider him as a strong contender for the seat being vacated by Lewis Hamilton, who will race for Ferrari from the next year. The chances are considerably higher for the currently 17-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli.
For Mick Schumacher, the yet-to-be-confirmed Audi racing team still represents some hope. Nico Hülkenberg, who will drive for the Sauber team, which has now been taken over by German automaker Audi, is the only confirmed driver for the following season. Rumors exist, however, about a thrilling comeback by Sebastian Vettel. The team principal from 2026 will be British Jonathan Wheatley, switching from Red Bull to Audi. Mattia Binotto, the Italian project leader, has a good relationship with Mick Schumacher. Mick Schumacher became part of Ferrari's young driver academy during Binotto's tenure as team principal at Scuderia. Both Jack Doohan and Mick Schumacher have a long-standing relationship, as Doohan's father, Mick Doohan, is good friends with the Schumacher family.
Despite Mick Schumacher's participation in the test for the vacant Formula 1 seat at Alpine, he unfortunately missed out to Jack Doohan. Regardless, Schumacher continues to seek opportunities in the world of Formula 1, with the Audi racing team potentially providing a new chance for him.
