Alpine grows, but Schumacher might leave?
Just a couple of weeks ago at Fuji, “his” Alpine finally reached the top step of the podium in a WEC race, although with the other crew, consisting of Paul-Loup Chatin, Ferdinand Habsburg, and Charles Milesi. While the growth process is still ongoing, after securing three podium finishes in two seasons, Mick Schumacher’s experience in the Endurance World Championship could be coming to an end. The 26-year-old son of legendary Michael Schumacher dreams of continuing in open-wheel racing, and this is where his upcoming IndyCar test comes in. On October 13, he will drive a Dallara for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing on the Indianapolis road course.
The breakdown of negotiations with Cadillac F1
Despite the potential for a promising future in endurance racing, given the growth of the French manufacturer and the A424 project, Mick Schumacher misses open-wheel racing too much. A Formula 1 return is currently not feasible, especially after Cadillac opted for “proven experience” with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, focusing on immediate results with two drivers over 35 rather than on medium- to long-term prospects. Schumacher, who would have remained in contention for the third driver seat, reportedly declined the role. The position ultimately went to Colton Herta, who left an established career in American racing to pursue the Formula 1 dream.
A future in IndyCar?
Mick Schumacher is therefore taking a different path, looking closely at this Indianapolis test to see if his future could lie in IndyCar. “I have always wanted to drive formula cars, open-wheel cars,” the German told Motorsport-Total.com. “Even though endurance prototypes are fun, formula cars are what I love most and am most passionate about. That’s why I’m trying to get back into it, although I haven’t decided 100% yet. IndyCar has fantastic drivers, and you can see the races are quite exciting, with many duels. Moreover, there are many opponents I have already raced against in junior series. It will definitely be an interesting test.”
This test will take place in Indianapolis, but on the road course, which partially mirrors the layout used in Formula 1 between 2000 and 2007, where his father Michael Schumacher won five times out of eight editions. It remains to be seen, even if the test goes well and Mick Schumacher receives an offer to race in IndyCar next season, whether he would also compete on ovals or, like many European drivers, focus only on permanent circuits and street tracks.
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