The beginning of Mick Schumacher’s return to racing is in the works after he was offered a drive by Alpine in their WEC prototype on Tuesday at the Jerez Spanish circuit.
Taking the wheel of an Alpine World Endurance Championship (WEC) prototype at the Jerez circuit on Tuesday will be a career-defining test for Mick Schumacher.
Schumacher has been looking at alternative career avenues since leaving Haas at the end of the 2022 season, as his chances of returning to Formula 1 are progressively dwindling.
Although Schumacher had initially hoped to return to Formula 1, his role as a backup driver for Mercedes for the entire season held him back from securing a full-time racing seat.
As a result, the young German is now considering an alternative plan and there are rumors that he has been in contact with Alpine over the possibility of driving in the WEC.
“It’s true that we’re talking with Mick about the possibility to race in our endurance program with the A424,” Alpine interim team boss Bruno Famin confirmed the talks. “It would be a good opportunity for both parties, I think.”
According to reports from Motorsport-Magazin.com, this move seems to be taking place in the right direction.
Schumacher will test Alpine’s WEC prototype, the A424, on Tuesday at the Jerez circuit, according to an official announcement from Alpine. Although this test suggests Schumacher could race in the WEC and Le Mans next season, the official driver lineup for Alpine’s two Hypercar category entries has not yet been confirmed.
Schumacher could keep serving as Mercedes’ reserve driver in the upcoming season if he signs with Alpine for the WEC, effectively balancing both commitments.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has stated that he’s willing to back Schumacher.
“Whatever program he does decide, he can stay,” Wolff said. “If it is possible from the other side, with us as a reserve driver.”
Mick Schumacher highlighted that nothing is finalized at this time in a statement to ORF.
“It will probably take a little more time until then,” Schumacher responded when asked when an official announcement could be anticipated. “But of course, I have to look at my options, and of course, there are talks.”
