Schumacher: Alpine F1 set-up an ‘interesting factor’ in WEC seat decision

Mick Schumacher has admitted that Alpine's Formula 1 links were an “interesting factor” in his decision to sign with its World Endurance Championship team.

After spending this year as Mercedes' reserve driver in F1, Schumacher will return to racing next season in WEC.

The German will retain his links with Mercedes and continue as its reserve driver as he aims to find a way back to the F1 grid in a full-time capacity.

Schumacher drove with Haas for two seasons before he was dropped in favour of Nico Hulkenberg.

With Alpine being only one of two F1 teams (alongside Ferrari) to have both F1 and Hypercar programmes, Schumacher stated that it was a consideration when he penned a deal.

“I think definitely the link to Formula 1 is an interesting factor,” he told media including RacingNews365.com.

“The whole position that we're able to take in with Mercedes, being the reserve driver there, having the WEC position with Alpine, but also that Alpine is in Formula 1, I feel like that construction is a good deal.”

WEC drive can help F1 return

Although Schumacher is delving into sportscar racing, the 24-year-old believes that strong performances will aid his quest back to the F1 grid.

“Everybody out there and I feel like also F1, in some sense, will have a look at the individual driver's performance still,” he said.

“So it's not like, ‘Okay, I'm with these drivers [sharing the car], I can relax’.

“No, it's at the end, you always have to contribute to be able to get out of the team and the best out of the car.

“People will still recognize if you do the job which is exceptionally good, that will be referred back to F1 in that sense or other teams out there.”