Mick Schumacher wants to return to Formula 1, but the likelihood is low – Signatech team principal Philippe Sinault is optimistic about him staying with Alpine
What will happen to Mick Schumacher in 2025? Alpine is rolling out the red carpet for him after convincing performances in the Hypercar A424 and is desperate to keep the German on the team after he has become the team’s fastest driver together with Charles Milesi. The two will be sitting together in the car for the first time at the Bahrain 8 Hours.
Schumacher himself, however, has completely different plans: He has made it clear on several occasions that the WEC is only plan B for him and that he will only pursue it “when I know what plan A looks like”. At the moment, there is still a cockpit available at Sauber in Formula 1 for 2025. However, Schumacher is only considered an outside chance, with Valtteri Bottas and Formula 2 title contender Gabriel Bortoleto the favorites.
Sigantech team principal Philippe Sinault is therefore optimistic that Schumacher will stay with the team. “We are keeping our fingers crossed and are confident that he will stay with us,” the Frenchman told Sportscar365. “But we all know the situation, the big picture. So we still have to wait a bit.”
However, the Alpine Endurance Team cannot wait forever for the decision, because the winter break in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) is short. After the finale in Bahrain this weekend, the rookie test is on the agenda. The 2024 Prologue in Qatar is already taking place on February 21 and 22, 2025.
In between, Alpine has scheduled three test drives. After the rookie test, the Renault subsidiary will complete another test for Michelin in Sachir with a view to 2026. During the winter, Alpine has planned two further tests in Portimao and Le Castellet.
“We have to summarize everything we have learned this year in order to improve the car for 2025. That’s why we have to fix the drivers as soon as possible,” Sinault clarifies. So Schumacher can’t take his time forever.
If Schumacher is rejected, a new driver would be needed
A quick decision is also important for Alpine because Nicolas Lapierre has hung up his helmet to focus on his role as sports director. Jules Gounon will take his place in Bahrain.
Should another driver, Mick Schumacher, retire, they would need another pilot. With Andre Lotterer and Frederic Makowiecki, two Porsche drivers have recently become available who would like to continue driving. Fred Mako is also French and would therefore be a good fit for Alpine.
Less promising are the chances of Formula 2 driver Victor Martins, who will drive the Alpine A424 at the rookie test. “We haven’t had much contact with him yet. But he is part of the Alpine family, so it was logical to let him test drive the car. Besides, he has a different perspective on the car, which should be interesting for us.”
Sinault does not mention a specific date by which Mick Schumacher has to confirm.