Mick Schumacher will compete with Alpine in WEC next year, which will be a key opportunity for an F1 return.
At the end of 2022, Mick Schumacher’s dismissal was a huge point of controversy. Haas was widely criticised for replacing a driver who, according to many on social media, wasn’t given the chance to develop.
Although Nico Hulkenberg (Schumacher’s replacement) cannot be faulted for his F1 performances, there is still plenty of intrigue about Mick Schumacher’s racing future.
Having spent this year as a Mercedes reserve driver, the German driver will race competitively once again. He will race in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine.
Only recently, Toto Wolff described this as a chance for Schumacher to make himself a contender to return to F1. Whilst this is more an optimistic hope than a realistic assessment, it would be unfair to dismiss the 24-year-old’s chances.
With the likes of Audi preparing to enter Formula 1 (amidst a very unpredictable driver market), there could be opportunities. At least for the short term, some teams might consider acquiring his services.
Mick Schumacher impresses Alpine
Speaking with dailysportscar, Alpine’s Bruno Famin expressed his admiration for Mick Schumacher:
“I’m convinced that in Formula 1, he is underestimated.
“Because I think he’s a very good driver, a very fast driver.
“Don’t forget he has been the Formula Two Champion and Formula Three champion.
“He has a lot of very good skills. Having the opportunity to have such a fast and good driver, I don’t see why we would have missed it.”
Famin, who is serving as interim team principal, isn’t the only admirer of Schumacher at Alpine.
Last season, Esteban Ocon described Mick Schumacher as his ideal teammate for 2024. This was in the aftermath of Fernando Alonso’s move to Aston Martin, which left Ocon’s next teammate unknown.
Although Gasly was ultimately selected, nothing should be ruled out. It must be said that – in the last year – there hasn’t been much F1 interest to sign the 24-year-old. This is even with Mercedes advocating for the German driver’s ability and potential.
Still, the next twelve months will give Schumacher the chance to grow and develop as a driver – potentially putting him on the radar of F1 teams.
