Mick Schumacher fumes as 2024 F1 plans made 'official' in awkward TV interview

27 September 2023 , 17:12

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Mick Schumacher's 2024 plans may involve a move away from the F1 world (Image: Hasan Bratic/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)

Mick Schumacher was forced to deny a claim made about his 2024 racing plans in a live TV interview.

The German racer has been on the Formula 1 sidelines this season. He lost his Haas seat after two seasons and was subsequently hired by Mercedes as a simulator and reserve driver, to keep him in close contact with the paddock.

He was hoping to land a race seat for 2024. However, the driver market has been particularly dormant this year with teams preferring to stick with their current line-ups rather than make a change.

Only Logan Sargeant's current seat at Williams remains up for grabs. But, even if the team decides to replace the American, it is understood that Schumacher is not a prime candidate to replace him.

Instead, the 24-year-old has been in talks with Alpine about joining the French carmaker's World Endurance Championship programme. But, one Austrian TV presenter got a little ahead of himself as he brought the subject up in an interview with Schumacher.

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Per F1 Insider, ORF presenter Ernst Hausleitner said to the German racer: "Mick, now we have to change the category very briefly – Ferdinand [Habsburg, his on-air colleague] at my side was completely surprised when I told him that Mick Schumacher would drive the WEC next season. It's official now!"

Schumacher was visibly surprised and irritated as he paused before correcting the presenter. "Nothing if official," he replied, prompting Hausleitner to ask: "Mick, when can I make it official?"

Schumacher's mood did not improve as he replied: "Well, I'll share that from my side. It will probably take a little more time until then. But of course I have to look at my options and of course there are talks."

Bruno Famin, vice-president of Alpine's motorsport division, had previously confirmed the reported conversations with Schumacher. "It's true that we're talking with Mick about the possibility to race in our endurance programme with the A424. It would be a good opportunity for both parties, I think," said the Frenchman.

He did make sure to clarify, though, that there is still some way to go before coming to an agreement and therefore no guarantee that one will be reached. Famin added: "For the time being we're just talking and, hopefully, we will organise a test."

Daniel Moxon