22 September 2023 , 08:18
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Bruno Famin has confirmed talks with Mick Schumacher over joining Alpine's World Endurance Championship team.
His Formula 1 future is uncertain having spent this season on the sidelines following his Haas axe. He has been a reserve driver at Mercedes but, even though that has kept him in the paddock, he has had few opportunities to show his driving ability.
Schumacher was hoping to get back onto the grid for 2024. But there are few opportunities available with only seats at AlphaTauri and Williams left to fill for next year.
Red Bull already have three options for the two seats at their sister team and so Schumacher is not in the frame there. He could be a candidate for Williams if a change is made but, as it stands, the team remains committed to giving Logan Sargeant all the opportunities it can.
So Schumacher must consider options outside of F1 if he wants to get back to driving regularly next year. Recent rumours have linked him to Alpine's endurance programme which would include a chance to compete at Le Mans.
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Famin, the French manufacturer's vice president of motorsports and interim team principal of its F1 operation, has confirmed talks. "It's true that we're talking with Mick about the possibility to race in our endurance programme with the A424, he said. It would be a good opportunity for both parties, I think."
He did make sure to clarify, though, that there is still some way to go before coming to an agreement and no guarantee that one will be reached. Famin added: "For the time being we're just talking and, hopefully, we will organise a test."
Joining the WEC would not necessarily signal the end of Schumacher's F1 career. Toto Wolff has already said that, should the German wish to race in another series, he may still be able to fulfil his duties as Mercedes' reserve.
The Austrian said: "Mick has a place here as our reserve driver and is part of the family. We hope that he stays with us in that role. We will give him time in the car and he can get a works seat with another manufacturer in WEC or sportscars or wherever.
"We will always have this home here for him. Whatever programme he does decide, he can stay, if it is possible from the other side, with us as a reserve driver."