Paul Velasco and Jad Mallak discuss the next chapter in Mick Schumacher's motor racing career - while Formula 1 remains the dream he is now focused on being as good as can be in the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Alpine.
Still the Mercedes Formula 1 reserve, the former Haas F1 driver, made 42 F1 starts after which he was made redundant. A year spent watching Lewis Hamilton and George Russell over Toto Wolff's shoulder in the Merc pit garage on Grand Prix weekends will now be substituted with 24-year-old Schumacher getting much-needed track and race time which WEC will afford him.
How will the young German do there in the burgeoning Hypercar category? The series now boasts massive manufacturer interest, and team line-ups overflowing with former F1 drivers, veteran sportscar campaigners and other very quick rivals. Factors making it even tougher for Mick to shine and make a case for himself to return to F1.
Schumacher, son of F1 legend Michael, told Formula 1’s Official Website: “F1 has always been a dream and it will always remain the dream. There is no reason to stay there, not race, and fall behind everybody. I' d rather go out there, find something to race and develop my skills. In the end, if that leads to no way back into F1 but leads to another career, then I am happy to do that,” added Schumacher
Is there a way back to F1 for Mick?
Jad is not optimistic: "I have to say, it's a slim chance for him to return to F1. Everyone wanted Mick Schumacher to make it, it would've made a great feel-good story. The son of the great Michael Schumacher comes into F1 and emulates his father.
"Ferrari as they promised backed him through F3 and F2, and although he did win those titles, each time it took him two attempts. Nevertheless, all the factors for success were there but then there was this huge mistake when they placed him at Haas instead of putting him at Alfa Romeo where he would've been far better off."
For Mick to prove he deserves another crack at F1, Paul says: "For little Schunie to even be considered by F1 teams he needs to be performing at the highest level in WEC. World Endurance Championship. He has to beat his teammates, on pace and, and on out on track. That's where the most important rule of motor racing comes in. He has to beat his teammates and be the benchmark for the trio.
Alpine Endurance Team have two cars entered in the Hypercar class, with only two of six drivers confirmed for the 2024 FIA WEC by the French team assigned cars, #35 Matthieu Vaxiviere and #36 Nicolas Lapierre.
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