Unexpected candidate emerges for Alpine F1 seat

Alpine Team Principal Bruno Famin has revealed that Mick Schumacher is an option for the Enstone-based side next season, with both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly being out-of-contract.

Schumacher has been without an F1 seat since Haas opted not to offer the German a new contract at the conclusion of the 2022 season, as Nico Hulkenberg was a preferred option for then Haas boss Guenther Steiner. 

The son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher has been Mercedes' reserve driver since his Haas exit, although he is racing for Alpine this year in the WEC Hypercar category.

Alpine has been impressed by Schumacher's adjustment from single-seater racing to endurance, making him an option for a 2025 F1 seat.

"He's one of the possibilities for sure," Famin told select media including RacingNews365. "Like many, like many."

'Incredible job' from Schumacher

Three WEC races have taken place so far in 2024, with Schumacher having finished 11th on his debut in Qatar, 16th at Imola and 12th last weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.

Whilst Alpine's results both in F1 and in WEC have been disappointing so far this year, Schumacher's "super mindset" has been praised Famin. 

According to Famin, the former Haas driver has adjusted to endurance racing seamlessly but, more importantly, has been a key team player.

"Mick is doing an incredible job in endurance, what is very impressive is his mindset," said Famin.

"Of course he's fast, but I think everybody knows he's fast. It's not always useful to do a very good lap time because you have the BoP (Balance of Performance) on top, you have to be a bit careful with the performance.

"The matter is not to evaluate the pure performance of the driver, but where Mick has been really incredible is his adaptation to the endurance mindset. We used to say that single-seater drivers are selfish.

"Mick, from the very first minute has been very, very cooperative, really helpful for his teammates.

"He is ready to learn everything, especially on endurance. A super, super mindset, and a super team spirit."