Mick Schumacher Embraces New Chapter in World Endurance Racing with Alpine

Mick Schumacher has recently discussed his move to World Endurance Racing with Alpine, marking a significant shift in his career. He shared his initial impressions of the Hypercar category, highlighting both the challenges and his ambitions, particularly for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Key Takeaways:

• Career Shift to Endurance Racing: Mick Schumacher has transitioned to World Endurance Racing with Alpine after his departure from the Haas Formula 1 team in 2022. He continues to hold a position as a reserve driver for Mercedes in Formula 1.
• Initial Hypercar Experience: Schumacher’s first experience in the Alpine LMDh car at Jerez was notable for the vehicle’s “very heavy” feel and a new, somewhat claustrophobic sensation due to the enclosed space, different from his past racing experiences.
• Ambition for 24 Hours of Le Mans: Schumacher has expressed a strong interest in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, emphasizing the endurance challenge and his goal to see the chequered flag at the end of this grueling race.

Mick Schumacher, the former Haas Formula 1 driver and current Mercedes F1 reserve, has embarked on a new chapter in his racing career with Alpine in the World Endurance Championship. His move to WEC signifies a notable transition from his Formula 1 roots, underlining his versatility and adaptability as a racer.

During his recent test drive in the Alpine LMDh car at Spain’s Jerez circuit, Schumacher found the Hypercar experience quite distinct from his previous racing cars. He described the car as feeling “very heavy” and remarked on the unique feeling of being in an enclosed space, a first for him in his racing career.

“It is a very different car to drive,” Schumacher stated. “I’m not going to lie, it feels very heavy, it feels very different and such. Maybe sometimes a bit claustrophobic as well, because it’s the first time for me that I don’t see my tyres, it’s the first time that I don’t get the wind in my face.”

Schumacher also emphasized that his test drive was not the deciding factor in his move to WEC. His interest had already been piqued by the growing number of manufacturers entering the series. “It was obviously very different, but I wouldn’t necessarily say it was the deciding factor. I was already at that point that I wanted to commit to this if I didn’t get any chance in Formula 1,” he explained.

A key focus for Schumacher in his new racing arena is the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This legendary race, known for its extreme demands on drivers and teams, has become a significant target for Schumacher. He is drawn not only to the prospect of victory but also to the endurance aspect of the competition.

“Le Mans 24 Hours has always been a target of many drivers, even Formula 1 drivers these days, and they wanted to compete in that. So it is for me where I feel like there’s an intriguing point in it where it kind of gets interesting because you do have to share that car for 24 hours and you have to be able to bring it through,” Schumacher shared. He also highlighted the importance of resilience and teamwork in enduring the full length of the race.

As Mick Schumacher gears up for his debut season in World Endurance Racing with Alpine, his transition from the high-speed world of Formula 1 to the endurance-focused domain of Hypercar racing will be a journey to watch, particularly as he sets his sights on the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.