Alpine have confirmed that they are in talks with Mick Schumacher as they look to onboard him for their Hypercar programme for the World Endurance Championship. The Mercedes driver has been heavily linked with making the move in recent weeks after it became clear that he was unlikely to be on the F1 grid next year.
Schumacher is keen to remain on the grid in 2024, following his stint as Mercedes’ official reserve driver. The 24-year-old was hopeful that opportunities would open up for him at other F1 teams at the end of the season, with Alfa Romeo and AlphaTauri highlighted as possible options.
However, neither appear likely and Williams have also ruled that they will stand by Logan Sargeant despite his poor form prompting speculation that he could be on the chopping block at the end of the year. Therefore, there is a limited pool of opportunities for Schumacher and he could be forced to take up Mercedes’ offer of being their reserve driver once more.
Alpine are set to throw the former Haas star a lifeline as they look to sign a big name to be a part of their Hypercar programme, which could see him work for Mercedes at the same time. Speaking ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, their vice president Bruno Famin confirmed that talks are ongoing with Schumacher.
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He explained “It’s true that we’re talking with Mick about the possibility of racing in our endurance programme with the A424. It would be a good opportunity for both parties but for the time being, we’re just talking. Hopefully, we will organise a test soon.”
Schumacher made it his priority to return to the grid in 2024 but the chance to commit to a new project whilst still remaining with a chance of featuring in F1 could be viewed as the next-best alternative.
