In a surprising move, Mick Schumacher, after a stint as Mercedes’ reserve driver, announced his transition to Alpine in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the upcoming season. This marks Schumacher’s debut mission beyond single-seaters, signifying a new chapter in his racing journey.
Schumacher, who lost his F1 spot in 2022, explored opportunities outside F1, including a recent test in Alpine’s A424 hypercar. Impressing the team, the 24-year-old German now joins Alpine’s lineup, featuring a stellar cast of drivers including Nicolas Lapierre, Ferdinand Habsburg, Paul-Loup Chatin, Mathieu Vaxivere, and Charles Milesi.
Expressing his excitement, Schumacher stated, “A new chapter is beginning for me with Alpine in the FIA WEC hypercar category. The car is impressive, and I can’t wait to get started. Endurance racing is a new challenge for me, and I’m sure we will share great moments together next year with Alpine.”
Notably, Schumacher sought advice from Sebastian Vettel before committing to the WEC move. Drawing on Vettel’s extensive motorsport knowledge, Schumacher found valuable insights, making the decision to shift gears beyond F1.
Despite the WEC venture, Schumacher will continue as Mercedes’ F1 reserve driver for 2024, supporting Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Mercedes acknowledges Schumacher’s pivotal role, both in the simulator and as a crucial part of their F1 campaign.
Alpine plans to reveal their full crews and the A424’s official livery at a launch event on February 7, 2024, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming WEC season.
As Schumacher embraces this new challenge, the racing world eagerly awaits his performance in the Hypercar category, marking a distinctive chapter in the Schumacher racing legacy.
