Mick Schumacher has a completely different background to his team-mates in the 2024 WEC – this is the perfect opportunity for him to help each other
Nicolas Lapierre, Matthieu Vaxiviere, Paul-Loup Chatin, Charles Milesi and Ferdinand Habsburg are true endurance specialists. Mick Schumacher, on the other hand, comes straight from Formula 1 to the Signatech team, which will be racing for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). A perfect recipe for Michael Schumacher’s son
This allows him to contribute his qualities and learn at the same time, as he says: “Coming from Formula 1, I have insights and knowledge that other drivers don’t have. I am sure that this will be an advantage for the development of the team.”
“On the other hand, the other drivers have different knowledge, different ways of thinking and views and sometimes also a lot of experience, which I can benefit from in return.”
There have already been “interesting discussions” during the test drives so far, he reveals. “I think that the team can benefit greatly from this exchange of information.”
Drivers who switch from the monoposto to the sports car always say that working with other team-mates, which requires compromises in the set-up, is the biggest challenge.”
Schumacher sees things a little differently: “It’s no secret that I’ve never driven with closed cars and in such a full field. The biggest challenge will probably be dealing with the traffic. But I’m looking forward to gaining experience in this area and broadening my horizons.”
And the driving impression? “I have to admit that the cramped cockpit felt a bit claustrophobic at first, but I quickly got used to it. Of course, it’s a heavier car than the monopostos I used to drive. But in a way, it reminds me of the Formula 2 car.” In which he was champion after all.
“I’m sure I’ll really enjoy driving the Alpine A424. It’s still a very cool and powerful car,” he concludes. Schumacher made a good impression during an initial test in Jerez, and since then many more kilometers have been added with the brand new car.
Signatech team boss Philippe Sinault is approaching the first season with the hypercar “modestly, but ambitiously”. “Modest because we are going through major changes and taking a big step forward as a team. We have to learn to make full technical use of the package, be reliable and finish the races.”
“Given our potential, we have to be ambitious because we represent the Alpine name at the highest level. It’s difficult to say whether we can win. But we are hungry for good results after everything we have achieved with Alpine. “