Mick Schumacher finds new challenge
Mick Schumacher will be driving for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship next year. The 24-year-old will therefore also be behind the wheel at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Whether he will retain his role as a test and replacement driver in Formula 1 with Mercedes remains to be seen.
No regular Formula 1 cockpit for 2024, but a new challenge at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans: Mick Schumacher has clarified his sporting future for the coming year. The 24-year-old is venturing into the World Endurance Championship, but will also remain a reserve driver for top Formula 1 team Mercedes, as he has done this season. This was announced by the team before the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The French manufacturer Alpine has now announced the signing and is aiming for a start with the German at the prestigious Le Mans classic, among other things. "I've sorely missed racing this year," said Schumacher: "It's what I've loved since I was a child and it was sometimes difficult to watch the other drivers on the track."
Schumacher was promoted to a regular driver in Formula 1 for the 2021 season. He drove for the US team Haas for two years, but lost his cockpit to German veteran Nico Hülkenberg for the 2023 season after mixed performances and an ongoing dispute with team boss Günther Steiner. The Mercedes team led by record-breaking champion Lewis Hamilton signed Schumacher as a replacement driver. Since then, he has mainly done important work in the simulator and was present in the paddock during the races.
In October, Schumacher completed test drives for Alpine in the French company's new hypercar in Jerez and impressed. "We were very pleased with his performance and the way he dealt with the team. I think he was satisfied too," said Alpine's team boss Bruno Famin at the start of November on the sidelines of the Mexican Grand Prix.
Despite switching to the World Endurance Championship with Alpine for the 2024 season, Mick Schumacher will continue his association with Formula 1, serving as a test and replacement driver for Mercedes AMG. Despite leaving the regular Formula 1 cockpit at Haas, Schumacher's impressive performance during Alpine's hypercar test drives has opened new opportunities, potentially showcasing his talents in other prestigious racing events such as Formula 1.
Source: www.ntv.de
