Nicolas Lapierre is reportedly contemplating retirement from driving to transition into a management role within the Alpine Endurance Team.
The accomplished French racing driver known for his success in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) has revealed that he is considering retiring from active competition at the end of the current season to pursue a management role within the Alpine Endurance Team.
Nicolas Lapierre, born on April 2 1984 in Thonon-les-Bains, France, has been a key figure in Alpine’s return to the top class of endurance racing and has enjoyed a successful career spanning over two decades.
The 40-year old first made his mark in single-seater racing, winning the A1 Grand Prix championship with A1 Team France in 2005-06 and competing in the GP2 Series. However, it was in sports car racing that he truly found his calling.
Lapierre made his WEC debut in 2007 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race he would go on to win in the LMP2 class four times (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019). He also secured two overall victories at the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring in 2011 and 2018.
Lapierre’s journey with Alpine began in 2016, and he has since played a crucial role in the team’s performance in various endurance events. His experience with top-tier teams, including Toyota, has equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate the challenges of endurance racing.
However, as the Frenchman approaches the end of the current season, the seasoned driver is considering a new chapter in his career. In a recent interview he expressed his thoughts about stepping away from the cockpit.
“For me it was really important to race this year because I was part of this project from the beginning and I wanted to be there in the first year,” Lapierre told Sportscar365. “But now I have turned 40 and I am looking for the next chapter in my career.
“I enjoy working outside of the car as well, so I am considering it. Right now the championship is so nice and it’s cool to drive with so many manufacturers.
“I had years in the top class when it was not really like this and I really enjoy it as a driver. It’s not an easy decision. I’m thinking about it.”
Lapierre is already involved in team management in the European Le Mans Series with Cool Racing after joining as team principal in early 2021. The Frenchman acknowledged that his time working with Cool compelled him to think about going full-time into team management sooner than he otherwise might have.
“It’s going really well with the team, and I enjoy it a lot, as much as driving,” he added. “For sure that might push me to stop racing a bit early and focus on this.
“I think I can do a good job on this and enjoy it as well. We’ll see, it’s not decided yet. I am speaking to Bruno [Famin] and Philippe [Sinault] about it, it’s an open discussion, but we need to decide before the end of the year.
“I would be happy in both cases.”
Lapierre’s potential retirement comes at a crucial juncture for Alpine, as the French manufacturer continues its development in the new Hypercar class of the WEC.
The team has shown promising pace in its debut season, with Lapierre and his teammates Charles Milesi and Matthieu Vaxiviere securing a fourth-place finish in the Hyperpole qualifying session at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Despite a disappointing double retirement at Le Mans due to mechanical issues, Alpine has bounced back strongly, with the Frenchman playing a pivotal role in the team’s recent success. At the 4 Hours of Monza, he locked in an epic battle with the No. 8 Toyota GR010 Hybrid.
As Lapierre considers retirement, several talented drivers have been linked to his seat including current Alpine reserve driver Jules Gounon, who has impressed in his limited outings with the team this season.
