Alpine boss confirms Mick Schumacher talks are underway

Interim Alpine team boss Bruno Famin confirmed that the team are in talks with Mick Schumacher to lure him to their endurance programme.

Rumours had been swirling that the former Haas F1 driver and current Mercedes reserve Schumacher was in talks with Alpine over a return to racing outside of Formula 1.

He was linked to joining the French brand’s World Endurance Championship programme, with Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff confirming that Schumacher was clear to continue as their reserve even if he takes on an outside project.

Alpine confirm Mick Schumacher negotiations

和在媒体前的日本大Prix, Famin, who also serves as the vice president of Alpine Motorsports, made no attempt to keep these talks under wraps as he turned the rumours into reality.

“It’s true that we’re talking with Mick about the possibility to race in our endurance programme with the A424,” Famin confirmed.

“It would be a good opportunity for both parties I think.”

PlanetF1.com recommends

Revealed: The shortest F1 careers this century in the brutal world of Formula 1

F1 Driver of the Day: Who has won the award in F1 2023?

Despite clear interest then existing from both sides in making this union happen, Famin stressed that at this stage it is far from a done deal.

Should talks progress, then Alpine will look to “organise a test” for Schumacher in preparation for that World Endurance Championship switch.

“For the time being we’re just talking,” said Famin, “and hopefully we will organise a test.”

Another couple of drivers who recently tested with Alpine, as confirmed by Famin, are their Alpine Academy Formula 2 stars Jack Doohan and Victor Martins.

A poor start to the season for Doohan ended his title hopes early, while reigning Formula 3 champion Martins has stepped up as the lead Alpine prospect in 2023.

But, while an F1 2024 race seat for both drivers look out of the question, Famin confirmed that both drivers are being kept busy within the team.

“It’s true that the second season has been a bit difficult,” said Famin of Doohan. “He made two very good wins, but for the first part of the season, he was not happy at all with his car.

“The car has improved a lot now. Of course, it’s going to be difficult for him to be champion.

“We have also a second very good driver in the Academy with Victor Martins. He’s in his rookie year, very good as well.

“Of course the idea is to see how both of them will keep growing, keep improving. And they were both testing the A521 this week. Then we are trying to give them as much experience as possible.

“We will see what we can do with Jack of course, but maybe also with Victor, but they are part of the family.”

The Alpine F1 line-up seems locked down for several seasons to come, with new recruit Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon impressing in F1 2023.

Read next:Ferrari throw the dice with reported final upgrade of the season at Suzuka