It’s time for Mick Schumacher to decide WEC future

Alpine says it is now “time” for Mick Schumacher to decide whether he wants to remain part of its World Endurance Championship programme in 2026, amid ongoing speculation linking the German to opportunities elsewhere.

Schumacher has made a successful switch to sportscar racing after losing his Haas Formula 1 seat, scoring three podiums aboard the Alpine A424 LMDh since his WEC debut in 2024.

However, prior to his maiden IndyCar test with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing last month, he stated that he still has a ‘burning desire’ to return to single-seaters, as he ponders his options for 2026.

Within the WEC, the 26-year-old has been linked to a drive in McLaren’s Hypercar programme, which will come on stream in 2027, while he was previously in frame for a Cadillac LMDh seat.

Alpine has always maintained that it wants to extend its relationship with Schumacher to a third season in 2026, having benefitted from both his technical knowledge and commercial value.

But as the 2025 campaign draws to a conclusion at Bahrain this week, the marque’s Hypercar boss Philippe Sinault said it now needs clarity on Schumacher’s intentions for the year ahead.

Asked if there was a deadline for Schumacher and Alpine to make a decision, Sinault told Motorsport.com: “It’s difficult to say, but as you can imagine, we need a clear view as soon as possible now. It’s time to decide.”

Sinault insisted that Schumacher has yet to decide whether he wants to remain at Alpine or pursue new opportunities elsewhere.

“We will see, we will know in a few…” he said. “If he stays, it’s perfect news and fantastic [for us]. If he comes with another project, [that is also okay]. 

“He brings a lot [of value]. We will see. It’s not clear at the moment, it’s not defined 100% to be clear.”

Sinault admitted that Schumacher has been in discussion with other teams, but reiterated that Alpine wants him to stay on board next year.

“It’s not negotiation, it’s not a fight — it’s part of life,” he said. “So he got some contacts for some other projects.

“He brings a lot of interest and he brings a lot to the project. He is really enjoying it with us, be sure of that. If he wants to continue, we definitely want to continue with him.”

There will be at least one change in Alpine’s WEC driver line-up next year, with Le Mans 24 Hours class winner Antonio Felix da Costa joining the squad after leaving Porsche’s factory stable.

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— The Motorsport.com Team