F1: Alpine's Bruno Famin Praises Mick Schumacher's Performance in Vital WEC Test at Jerez

Alpine's interim team principal, Bruno Famin, recently provided an update on Mick Schumacher's potential participation in the World Endurance Championship next year. Schumacher had the opportunity to do a test at Jerez last month. After leaving Haas at the end of the 2022 season, Schumacher has been Mercedes' reserve driver for the 2023 campaign. Since Williams is the only team that hasn't announced their 2024 roster, Schumacher's participation in the following F1 season is in doubt.

As Alpine prepares to return to the top echelon of endurance racing in the new Hypercar category of the World Endurance Championship, claims have surfaced linking Schumacher to the company's sports car efforts. It seems that Schumacher made a good impression on the Alpine team when he tested their new Hypercar at Jerez earlier this month. During the race weekend in Mexico, Famin updated the team on Schumacher's progress in testing.

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Alpine Interim Team Principal Bruno Famin Impressed with Mick Schumacher 

After Schumacher's private test at the Circuit de Jerez, Famin acknowledged that the French team was impressed with him, but he insisted that no contracts had been signed at this time.

Bruno Famin: "Yes, Mick tested the car in Jerez. We were very happy with his performance, his global performance, how we were with the team and I think he was happy too. That means that we can still discuss about trying to do something next year together. It would be a good opportunity for both parties. But for the time being, we are just talking and hopefully, we will organise a test soon.”

Alpine Endurance Team Principal Philippe Sinault said, "Overall, we are satisfied with our tests in Jerez. Despite the ever-changing weather conditions, we found the right running windows to optimise track time and keep improving the car. We made significant progress, particularly in aerodynamics, onboard systems, headlight settings and other essential lighting for night runs. These tests were also crucial for the teams, who have to learn to work together, and we were able to put in a little more practice in what were sometimes extremely challenging conditions over these three days.

With an eye on the new Hypercar class in the World Endurance Championship, Alpine is preparing for a return to the highest level of endurance racing. Their plan is to add to their illustrious past, which includes a win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1978.

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Mick Schumacher and Formula 1

Mick Schumacher was replaced at Haas F1 for the current season by fellow German Nico Hulkenberg. The American team decided to go with the more seasoned Hulkenberg instead of keeping the young German driver for a third season. As a result, Schumacher accepted a post as Mercedes's backup driver for the 2023 campaign. However, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have regularly taken part each weekend, Mick has not had a chance to participate in a Grand Prix this year. Schumacher is the son of Formula One superstar Michael Schumacher and is currently focusing on simulator work for the German manufacturer.

There had been talk of Schumacher taking over for Logan Sargeant at Williams in 2024, but after Sargeant scored his first points in the sport at the most recent United States Grand Prix, that seems less likely to happen.

With a comeback to Formula 1 clearly out of reach at the moment, Schumacher is seeking to follow in the footsteps of drivers like Antonio Giovinazzi, Hulkenberg, and Kamui Kobayashi, who refreshed their F1 careers by delving into the World Endurance Championship (WEC).