As he makes his rookie start in the 24 Hours of Le Mans behind the wheel of the #36 Alpine A424 race car for the Alpine Endurance Team in the Hypercar class, Mick Schumacher is about to reach a new career high.
After gaining extensive experience in single-seater championships, including 43 Formula 1 Grand Prix races between 2021 and 2022, Mick Schumacher is venturing into endurance racing with his debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 25-year-old German driver joined Alpine’s Hypercar program last winter and will team up with Nicolas Lapierre and Matthieu Vaxivière in the #36 A424. With promising performances in the first three rounds of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), Schumacher is set for his first appearance in the legendary Le Mans race.
Schumacher expressed his excitement about being part of the Alpine team, praising the passion and commitment of everyone involved. He views the previous FIA WEC races as crucial preparation for the 24 Hours, emphasizing the unique challenges and continuous action on the track. “It really shows that people are here because they’re passionate about racing,” he said. “Personally, I’m just excited to get to the race and see how that feels—24 hours on edge, the longest I will have done that.”
One of the distinctive elements of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is night racing, which Schumacher experienced during the second free practice session. Surprisingly, he found it less challenging than expected, recalling a more difficult test session in Jerez. “I really enjoyed it. It’s a different feeling and gives a different vibe. I think it’s going to be an exciting race for sure,” he remarked.
Schumacher will rely on the invaluable experience of his teammate Nicolas Lapierre, a Le Mans veteran with 16 participations. Lapierre has been mentoring Schumacher, discussing strategies for managing traffic and navigating tricky slow zones. He highlighted the importance of maintaining focus, particularly during the early morning hours when fatigue can lead to mistakes.
Drawing comparisons between Formula 1 and endurance racing, Schumacher acknowledged the differences but emphasized his ability to adapt his driving style to each discipline. “I try to bring as much information from my side into my driving here,” he noted.
