Alpine has confirmed talks with Mick Schumacher about a FIA WEC drive, as Mercedes is open for a dovetail programme.
With Lewis Hamilton and George Russell confirmed at Mercedes for 2024 F1 season, it leaves Schumacher with no chance of driving for them next year. And with the other seats also filling up fast and quick, he seemingly is looking for drive elsewhere.
Speculation about Schumacher discussing a Alpine drive popped up in Singapore which was seemingly confirmed by Mercedes chief Toto Wolff. The Austrian was open to let him compete for the French outfit in their WEC’s Hypercar programme.
In fact, Wolff would be fine for Schumacher to remain as Mercedes F1 reserve while dovetailing with Alpine. “Mick has a place here as our reserve driver and is part of the family,” he said to media. “We hope that he stays with us in that role, we will give him time in the car and he can get a works seat with another manufacturer in WEC or sportscars or wherever we will always have this home here for home.
“Whatever programme he does decide he can stay, if it is possible from the other side, to stay with us as a reserve driver,” summed up Wolff. A week later, Alpine interim boss Bruno Famin confirmed about talks being held with Schumacher when asked in Japan.
“It’s true that we are talking with Mick about the possibility to race in our endurance programme with the A424,” said Famin. “It would be a good opportunity for both parties, I think but for the time being we are just talking and hopefully we will organise a test soon.”