Although Mick Schumacher would love to get back into Formula 1 as soon as possible, he is currently competing in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine. Speaking about his journey, the German discussed what he usually refers to as “Plan B.”
Mick Schumacher, currently navigating the challenging waters of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) as a works Alpine hypercar driver, has made no secret of his ultimate ambition: a return to Formula 1. After losing his Haas seat at the end of the 2022 season, Schumacher took on the role of reserve driver for Mercedes in 2023, balancing those responsibilities with a full-time drive for Alpine in the WEC.
The 2020 F2 champion has adapted to his new role in the endurance racing scene, showcasing his skills alongside seasoned veterans like Nicolas Lapierre and Mathieu Vaxiviere. Despite the steep learning curve, Schumacher has found the experience enriching. “It’s a good championship, definitely a good Plan B,” he shared. “It’s a good alternative for when you have no options in Formula 1, but it has never been a secret that my goal is to get back into Formula 1. That is what I am working on and working towards.”
Schumacher’s journey in the WEC has been marked by both promising speed and frustrating results. The Alpine team has faced several setbacks, including a double DNF at Le Mans due to engine problems and incidents in Qatar, Spa, and Imola. “In terms of results, unfortunately, there is still little to write home about. We have always shown good speed, but we have never been able to convert it into a good result,” he admitted.
Transitioning from single-class racing to the multi-class structure of the WEC has been a significant adjustment for Schumacher. He has relied heavily on his experienced teammates to navigate these new challenges. “Racing against cars in different classes on the same track is something new for me,” he explained. “I’m getting better at anticipating what the drivers in front of me are up to, so that I lose as little time as possible.”
While Schumacher continues to learn the nuances of endurance racing, he is also contributing his wealth of experience from Formula 1 to the Alpine team. “Many of the tools used here are similar to those used in Formula 1,” he said. “In the past, I have driven cars with a lot of downforce and power. That makes it easier to adapt to a car that might be just a little bit slower, heavier and therefore a bit lazier.”
Schumacher’s unique perspective and expertise have been valuable in helping Alpine optimize their car’s performance. His ability to push the team with insights from his F1 background has made a noticeable impact. “We all have our own approach and I think that experience from different backgrounds makes for a very good package,” he noted.
Despite the challenging start to the season, Schumacher and the Alpine team recently secured their first point of the season with a 10th place finish in Sao Paulo. As they prepare for their next race, the Lone Star Le Mans at the Circuit of the Americas on September 1st, Schumacher remains focused on both excelling in the WEC and keeping his dream of returning to Formula 1 alive.
With each race, Mick Schumacher continues to prove his resilience and adaptability, embodying the spirit of a true racer. His journey through the WEC is not just a detour but a testament to his enduring passion and relentless pursuit of excellence in motorsport.
