Mick Schumacher granted access to Formula 1 racing seat.
Reportedly, Mick Schumacher is set to drive an Alpine Formula-1 vehicle for the first time on a Wednesday, as claimed by Motorsport-Magazin.com, quoting their own sources. Presently racing with Alpine in the WEC, Schumacher will reportedly be gripping the wheels of the 2022 car during the test at Le Castellet. Jack Doohan, the Australian driver, is also partaking in this significant test, with both contenders being possible choices for the empty cockpit at Alpine.
This test holds importance as it confirms that Esteban Ocon's contract with the French team won't be renewed. They're on the hunt for a new driver. There are doubts about Pierre Gasly's future, as he's rumored to be joining Sauber as their Audi-supported driver starting from 2026. If Gasly leaves Alpine, Nico Hülkenberg, who's leaving Haas at the end of this season to drive for Sauber from 2025, could step in.
As per media reports, Carlos Sainz is also reportedly eyeing the Alpine cockpit. Sainz has been linked with Ferrari, replacing Lewis Hamilton as Hamilton moves to Mercedes. Sainz was previously reportedly linked with Sauber/Audi and Williams, but there were talks with Alpine during the Spanish Grand Prix.
Flavio Briatore, the former Benetton team principal, has recently joined Alpine as an advisor. One of his key tasks is to utilize his connections and reach out to potential drivers. If Gasly departs, Alpine would need to find two new drivers immediately. Therefore, the seasoned Sainz and Schumacher could potentially form the driving duo.
Schumacher once raced for Haas in Formula 1, but was then replaced by Hülkenberg. Since then, the son of the seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher has been without a cockpit in the premier class.
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Following the test at Le Castellet, Mick Schumacher's talent could potentially see him secured a full-time Formula-1 seat with Alpine, building on his experience racing with them in the WEC. If Pierre Gasly leaves Alpine, a strong team alliance between Schumacher and Carlos Sainz could be on the cards, given their shared interest in the Alpine cockpit.
