Schumacher reveals Vettel talks over WEC switch

Mick Schumacher has revealed that he consulted with Sebastian Vettel before committing himself to a World Endurance Championship programme.

Schumacher was announced as an Alpine WEC driver for the 2024 season earlier this week.

The ex-Haas Formula 1 driver will also continue to carry out his reserve driver duties with Mercedes having joined the Brackley-based squad at the end of last year.

Schumacher is known to have a strong relationship with the now-retired Vettel, with the four-time World Championship also sharing a strong friendship with Mick's father Michael when they competed in F1 together.

Ahead of his decision to sign to race in WEC, Schumacher stated that he sought out Vettel for advice.

“I spoke to Timo Glock and I briefly spoke with Sebastian about it as well,” Schumacher told media including RacingNews365.com.

“This has been a factor, I think he knows so much about motorsport that it was also a very clear point for me to go and ask him about his opinion over it.”

'Tough' to sit out 2023 season

Schumacher has played a key role in Mercedes F1 campaign this year, carrying out simulator duties to aid it through Grand Prix weekends.

The German manufacturer currently sits on the brink of securing second place in the Constructors' Championship, one position higher than its spot last year.

Having missed a whole season of racing, Schumacher highlighted that it was imperative he signed up to a racing programme for next year.

“Having to sit out whole a year has been tough,” Schumacher admitted. “I'm just excited to be back in the car, go racing and have a new challenge ahead of me.

“That was the aim, I'm a racing driver I haven't been out of racing in 14 years previous to this.

“It was definitely a clear choice and a clear direction that I wanted to be racing in this next year.”