Mick Schumacher “working my way back” to F1

Jaden Diaz
14/06/2024

Mick Schumacher will contest in this weekend’s 24 hours of Le Mans. Racing for the #36 Alpine Hypercar entry, the 24-year-old has a good chance of competing for the podium tomorrow. Alpine are looking competitive in the Endurance series – at least relative to their exploits in Formula 1. Despite his current position in WEC, returning to F1 remains the priority for Mick Schumacher.

For someone like Schumacher, there may never be a better time to make an F1 comeback. Although he maintains the position of Mercedes reserve driver, Alpine are monitoring his progress most closely.

The French outfit have generally been positive about his performances in WEC. Team principal Bruno Famin has praised the German driver for his efforts in 2024.

Not only is Schumacher showing good speed, but Famin has noted his ability to cooperate with teammates and provide good feedback. These are important traits for a team in desperate need of stability.

Of course, most would agree that Alpine’s managerial approach has been more destabilising than anything else. Still, from the perspective of Enstone’s key decision-makers, the 24-year-old could be a relatively safe signing.

In an interview with The Independent, the former Haas driver spoke candidly about his F1 aspirations:

“Frankly, the way I was two years ago has nothing to do with the person I am today.

“F1 has been a dream I’ve had since I was five years old, and I’m not ready to let go of that dream, right?

“Sometimes you feel like you have a chance, then it actually never ends up happening because something else happens. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster and a draining last few years. But I’m working my way back.”

Alpine can select from several candidates to replace Esteban Ocon next season. Luckily for Schumacher, the drivers linked to the Enstone-based team are not of the same calibre as in previous years. This is no surprise, given the team’s issues both on and away from the track.

Still, this does not automatically put him at the top of Alpine’s shortlist.

Jack Doohan is currently the favourite to replace Ocon in the team. The likes of Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas have been linked to the engine manufacturer.

Because of this, Schumacher’s prospects of returning to F1 are limited. However, with even Pierre Gasly’s continuity at Enstone far from guaranteed, there could still be an opportunity.

The driver market is constantly evolving, and there could still be surprises in store.

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