- No Opportunity for Mick Schumacher - Alpine Takes Doohan's Seat
Alpine's dream of reintroducing Formula 1 for Mick Schumacher has unfortunately come to an end. The 25-year-old German, competing for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship, will no longer be their choice. Instead, they've picked Jack Doohan, the 21-year-old son of the legendary Australian motorcycle racer, Mick Doohan. Doohan will join Pierre Gasly in Alpine's second cockpit starting next year, as announced during the first Formula 1 Grand Prix post-summer break in Zandvoort.
The seat opened up due to Esteban Ocon's departure. The Frenchman is set to drive for Haas from 2025.
Battle between Mick Schumacher and Jack Doohan
A couple of weeks prior, there was a trial between Mick Schumacher and Doohan for the empty Alpine seat. At the time, Bruno Famin, then in charge of the Formula 1 team, commended both contestants.
However, Famin is no longer in office due to turbulent weeks within the French team. Since then, Oliver Oakes has taken charge since the summer break. Despite the Italian Flavio Briatore, Michael Schumacher's team principal during his first two world championship titles, acting as an advisor at Alpine, there are rumors that he's also involved in Jack Doohan's management.
Setback for Mick Schumacher
This means another opportunity has slipped away for Mick Schumacher. The son of Formula 1's record world champion drove for Haas in 2021 and 2022 but had a challenging time under team principal Günther Steiner and did not receive an extension.
Since January 2023, he's been serving as a reserve and test driver for Mercedes but is not being considered for the seat vacating with Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari next year. Instead, 17-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli has the best chances.
The future Audi racing team could still be an option for Mick Schumacher. As of now, only Nico Hülkenberg has been confirmed as driving for the Sauber team, which will be taken over by the German car manufacturer from the following season.
The team principal will be British Jonathan Wheatley, joining from Red Bull. The project leader is Italian Mattia Binotto, who has a close connection with Mick Schumacher, having managed him in Ferrari's junior academy.
Mick Schumacher and Jack Doohan have been friends for quite some time, with their fathers, Mick Doohan and Michael Schumacher, also sharing a close bond.
Mick Schumacher's ambition in motor sports extends beyond Formula 1, as he has shown interest in competing in various motor sports events.
Despite their friendship, the battle for the Alpine seat between Mick Schumacher and Jack Doohan was intense, demonstrating their commitment to their racing careers.
