Schumacher's F1 Comeback: Alpine Eyes the Son of Speed?
May 13 - A return to the Formula 1 grid for former Haas driver Mick Schumacher is becoming a real possibility.
Since losing his seat at the end of 2022, the 25-year-old son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher has split his Mercedes test and reserve duties with a return to racing in 2024 with Alpine's Le Mans-ready world endurance championship effort.
When asked about new F1 rumours at the latest endurance round at Spa-Francorchamps last weekend, the German said: "I'm monitoring the situation and can't say any more."
Prior to travelling to Spa, Schumacher was at Silverstone last week where he shared a 2022 Mercedes with Toto Wolff's young protege Kimi Antonelli.
He reportedly did more than a grand prix distance, but Mercedes is keeping all lap times a guarded secret.
Mick's uncle Ralf, however, sees hope for a return to Formula 1: "I believe Mick deserves a place in F1, especially when you compare him with some other drivers."
Schumacher's best hope for a return for 2024 looks to be Alpine, where he has now established a firm relationship with boss Bruno Famin.
Overseeing Alpine's current performance crisis in F1, Famin is believed to be facing the prospect of losing both of his race drivers for 2025.
Wolff, who as well as managing 17-year-old Antonelli also handles the career of Esteban Ocon, is reportedly pushing for Ocon to move to Mercedes-powered Williams for 2025 and beyond.
That would open a key vacancy at Alpine, although it must be noted that Jack Doohan is also a contender for next season.
Auto Bild, however, reports that Alpine may be shaping up to offer Schumacher a test in a two-year-old Formula 1 car over the next few weeks.
The same report said Renault CEO Luca de Meo may also be keen on Schumacher moving into Alpine's F1 program, "for marketing reasons" given the critical nature of the German car market for the French marque.
Mick Schumacher was quoted by the publication as saying: "It is still my goal to return to Formula 1."
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Not going to happen, so pointless speculation.
For now, I expect both drivers to stay put, but if either were to leave, Jack Doohan would realistically be the priority over anyone else, & where on Earth, does that claim about Ocon suddenly come?
Zero truth to that, & if anything, Team Hinwill is where he's been speculated a few times, but most certainly, not Williams in any case.
Once again, Sargeant is their priority, & even if they wanted to replace him, I could see Bottas as someone who they'd offer a drive because of his experience & past familiarity with the team.
The same report said Renault CEO Luca de Meo may also be keen on Schumacher moving into Alpine's F1 program, "for marketing reasons" given the critical nature of the German car market for the French marque.
LoL just how desperate would Alpine have to be, to sell a few Cars
If anything, the likes of Bottas, Zhou, & Sainz have a higher chance of filling a vacancy instead of Doohan, if either current driver left.
Marketing would be applicable with a country like China, but not another European one.
Nevertheless, he won't get another chance of becoming a full-time F1 driver.
Nor has he shown anything to necessarily deserve a second chance.
Yeah, and if your aunty had balls she's be your uncle! Highly unlikely and not going to happen.
Sadly for Mick, his time racing an F1 car has expired. All that remains is rumour and speculation by bored journalists.
Indeed
Mick is not his father. They share similar interest and name but that appears to be it. It has to be overwhelming for Mick to live up to such high expectations from everyone. Achieving success in F2 does not always transfer to f1. Whole different world. A very short learning curve
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