Mick Schumacher is on a mission to secure a Formula One seat for the 2025 season, but his former team boss at Haas F1, Guenther Steiner, might be throwing a wrench into his plans. Now an RTL pundit, Steiner has openly advised Alpine against signing Schumacher, which could jeopardize the young driver’s aspirations.
Mick Schumacher kicked off his F1 career with Haas in the 2021 and 2022 seasons under the watchful eye of Guenther Steiner. Their partnership, however, didn’t last long, marred by tension and ending after just two seasons. Steiner’s dissatisfaction played a key role in Haas’s decision to not renew Schumacher’s contract.
Currently, the 25-year-old Schumacher is working as a reserve and simulator driver for Mercedes, while also competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the Alpine WEC team. Despite being out of a full-time F1 seat for over a year, Schumacher remains focused on his goal to get back into F1. Recently, Alpine has been considered a likely destination for his return.
Bruno Famin, Alpine’s team boss, expressed openness to the idea of Schumacher joining the team. “Everything is open, everybody is talking to everybody,” Famin told Sky. He emphasized that not considering Schumacher would be a mistake, although no definitive ranking exists for their list of candidates.
Alpine, however, is dealing with its own set of issues. The team’s car is reportedly overweight, and several senior staff have either been fired or left voluntarily due to dissatisfaction with Renault’s management. Signing Pierre Gasly also raised eyebrows given his rocky relationship with fellow French driver Esteban Ocon. Ocon, known for his intra-team conflicts, recently collided with Gasly during the Monaco Grand Prix, causing considerable damage. Ocon was handed a 10-second penalty, translating into a five-place grid drop for the next race in Canada.
Guenther Steiner isn’t convinced Schumacher is the right choice for Alpine. In a discussion on ‘The Red Flags Podcast,’ he sternly advised Alpine against signing him, stating, “I think that Alpine needs the best driver out there.” Steiner suggested Carlos Sainz, who will be leaving Ferrari in 2025, as a better option, though he doubted Sainz would join Alpine. As a more feasible alternative, Steiner proposed Yuki Tsunoda, highlighting the need for a factory team like Alpine to secure top-tier talent.
Despite Steiner’s skepticism, Bruno Famin hinted at internal disciplinary actions for Esteban Ocon following the Monaco incident, which could open a window for Schumacher. Famin reiterated, “Everything is open, everyone is talking to everyone,” suggesting that Schumacher is still in the running for a seat in 2025. “It would be a mistake not to have him on the list,” Famin affirmed.
While Mick Schumacher continues to be a contender for a return to F1 with Alpine, his path is filled with obstacles, not least of which is the public disapproval from his former boss Guenther Steiner. The months ahead will be crucial in determining if Schumacher’s dedication and current roles in WEC and as a Mercedes reserve driver will propel him back onto the F1 grid.
Mick Schumacher’s journey back to a full-time F1 seat is fraught with challenges and the conspicuous disapproval of his former boss Guenther Steiner. While Alpine remains a beacon of hope, the team’s decision-makers must weigh Steiner’s warnings against Schumacher’s potential. The next few months will be vital in deciding whether Schumacher can achieve his dream of returning to the F1 grid.
