Alpine’s driver selection for 2025 is turning into a thrilling watch, with surprising twists along the way.
- Mick Schumacher impressed at a recent Alpine test, but the race for 2025 seats isn’t just about him and a few others.
- Pierre Gasly’s new contract leaves just one seat open, and the competition is fierce among promising candidates.
- Carlos Sainz, among others, is considered a frontrunner due to his extensive experience and dynamic skill set.
- Alpine’s list of potential drivers is longer than three, debunking rumors of a narrowed choice.
Mick Schumacher was aiming for a coveted seat with Alpine, and after participating in their latest test, he’s left quite an impression. However, the buzz isn’t just around Schumacher. He faces stiff competition amid Alpine’s intricate selection process for its 2025 driver lineup. Pierre Gasly has already secured his place on the team with a new multi-year contract, leaving just one spot open. The speculation around who could fill this position has brought much attention to Alpine’s strategic choices.
Esteban Ocon, after achieving a race victory during his five-season tenure with Alpine, is set to leave, reportedly heading to Haas. This decision opened up queries about who could be the new face on the team, with names like Mick Schumacher, Jack Doohan, and Carlos Sainz thrown into the mix. Sainz is highly regarded as a potential team member by Gasly, who values his rich experience and success with prestigious teams. Meanwhile, both Schumacher, a WEC driver, and Doohan, Alpine’s reserve driver, are seen as fast, talented, and well-integrated within the team.
During a test drive at Le Castellet, Schumacher and Doohan showcased their potential, much to the delight of Alpine’s management, including team boss Famin. According to Famin, both drivers executed a similar program and impressed with their performance. However, he countered Gasly’s earlier assertion that the selection was narrowed down to these two and Sainz. Famin clarified that the list actually extends beyond just three candidates, indicating the vibrant competition within the team.
Despite the promising display by Schumacher and Doohan, there were challenges in evaluating their true potential. During the test, Schumacher drove under different conditions with cooler morning temperatures, whereas Doohan had a warmer afternoon session. This made it difficult to assess their performances accurately, though it is noted that Doohan holds more experience with Alpine cars, which could weigh into the decision-making.
The future seems uncertain for Schumacher, whose continuation in Formula 1 largely hinges on Carlos Sainz’s next move. If Sainz chooses Alpine over other possible teams like Williams or Audi, it might sideline Schumacher. However, if Sainz decides otherwise, the door could open for Schumacher to return to the F1 grid. Gasly acknowledges the tension, commenting on the tough reality of having more drivers than seats available for the next season.
Alpine’s decision on their driver lineup remains a closely watched saga, with the potential for last-minute shifts.
