Good news for WEC, but bad news for F1: Mick Schumacher isn’t done making waves in the motorsport world. At the end of the 2024 season, he will leave his role as reserve driver at Mercedes-AMG, but a new chapter is already unfolding for him.
After a busy 2024 season between Formula 1 and WEC, the young German has decided to fully focus on racing. So, what’s next for Mick Schumacher after leaving Mercedes F1? The future looks exciting.
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The Mercedes F1 era: two years of behind-the-scenes work
Since 2023, Mick Schumacher has been with the Mercedes F1 team as a reserve driver. It was an important role, but let’s be honest, it mostly kept him on the sidelines rather than in the cockpit. Mick worked in the team’s simulator, contributing to testing and providing valuable feedback. Despite his efforts, he often had to watch the F1 battles from the pit lane, a frustrating situation for such a competitive driver. If you watched the Las Vegas Grand Prix, you probably saw him behind the screens in the pit, looking sad and frustrated. In a recent statement, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff praised Mick’s hard work, highlighting how well he integrated into the team and became well-liked by everyone. However, Mick expressed his desire to return to pure racing. In 2025, he plans to get back on the grid and focus 100% on driving—just not in Formula 1.
WEC: a more open playing field
Though Mick Schumacher is leaving his role at Mercedes in F1, he’s not retiring. He will continue his journey with Alpine in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). After a promising 2024 season, highlighted by a strong performance in Fuji where the team secured its first-ever podium, Mick will return to the French Hypercar for the 2025 season. The German is now one of Alpine Endurance Team’s six factory drivers for the next WEC season, alongside notable figures like Frederic Makowiecki and Jules Gounon. One of his goals is to help improve the team’s long-term performance, with the ambition to aim higher in the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans. “We have clear goals for 2025,” Mick explained, determined to make his second year even better than the first.
Our 2025 lineup is here! 🏆📈
Six talented endurance drivers, one shared goal: pushing limits and chasing trophies.
Let’s write the next chapter together.💙 #AlpineEnduranceTeam pic.twitter.com/vKddHVS2ui— Alpine Endurance Team (@SignatechAlpine) November 28, 2024
A future in Hypercar: high stakes ahead
Hypercar is the top category in WEC, and it’s in this class that Mick Schumacher will try to make a name for himself alongside Alpine. The French manufacturer, which entered this category in 2024, is aiming for excellence and already dreams of shining at Le Mans. Schumacher is not alone in this adventure, with a talented driver lineup surrounding him, and fierce competitors like Toyota and Peugeot. The German is joining an ambitious program that could very well take him to new heights, especially in races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where his talent will be put to the ultimate test.
This serious hemorrhage in Formula 1 must be stopped before it puts the rest of motorsport at risk
This article explores the next chapter in the Mick Schumacher’s career as he leaves his reserve role at Mercedes F1 to fully commit to racing in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine in the Hypercar category.
Sources: Alpine Endurance Team / Mercedes F1
