Mick Schumacher is still honing his skills in endurance racing, but he’s growing more adept in this field where he could potentially achieve significant success. Following a debut season that showcased his promise, the former Haas F1 driver has emerged as a prominent competitor in the 2025 World Endurance Championship thus far.
“I’m carrying a lot of lessons from last year into this one,” Schumacher stated. “It was a year of learning for me, and now I understand what to anticipate.”
Partnering with Frédéric Makowiecki and Jules Gounon in the #36 Alpine A424, Schumacher has already earned two podium finishes in three races, which should enhance his confidence as he readies for his second Le Mans 24 Hours. Given his recent achievements, Schumacher is certainly a competitor to watch. But what accounts for his rapid progress?
Adapting to Endurance Racing
Last year, conscious of the limitations of being Mercedes’ F1 reserve driver, Schumacher embraced the opportunity presented by Alpine in the WEC. “This is entirely different from what I’m used to,” he acknowledged upon his deal’s announcement in late 2023. “I’ll need to adapt.”
The transition from single-seaters to endurance racing poses challenges. It demands a shift in mindset, as explained by Philippe Sinault, team principal of Alpine Endurance Team. “An F1 driver often has to be self-centered,” Sinault elaborated. “In endurance racing, however, drivers must compromise. It’s vital for achieving results.”
Mick often kept his distance last year, not fully engaging with his experienced endurance racing teammates or the team, as he was heavily occupied with his F1 commitments. However, Sinault noted, “His high standards and expectations in and out of the car were evident from the beginning.” Initially uncertain of Schumacher’s team spirit, those doubts vanished as he meshed well with them, becoming an integral part of the project.
Shifts in 2025
The 2024 season proved challenging for Schumacher amid recurrent rumors linking him back to F1. Despite high hopes, and amidst a hectic schedule, he ultimately concluded that staying a reserve driver wasn’t fulfilling. He decided to prioritize his race career in 2025: “I want to be racing, not sitting on the sidelines,” he remarked.
His teammates and team officials have noted a significant transformation. Nicolas Lapierre, now Alpine’s sporting director, expressed satisfaction with Schumacher’s performance, saying, “He’s clearly doing an excellent job.” New teammate Makowiecki described him as “very humble and attentive,” eager to learn and adapt quickly.
Dreams of F1
Despite his burgeoning success in endurance racing, Schumacher remains hopeful about a return to F1, viewing it as a lifelong aspiration. “F1 is always on my mind,” he stated. However, he emphasized that his primary focus is currently on the WEC and maximizing his performance there.
Ultimately, it seems Schumacher has found more joy and fulfillment in endurance racing. Observing a team with significant manufacturer involvement has made him consider this as his rightful place. The journey of discovering his true potential in this more stable environment seems promising, suggesting that perhaps he’s found the racing niche he was destined for, amidst the pressures of F1.
