Mick Schumacher is set to embark on an exciting phase of his endurance racing career, as he welcomes two fresh faces to the Alpine team for the 2025 World Endurance Championship (WEC). Joined by Frederic Makowiecki and Jules Gounon, Schumacher will pilot the #36 Alpine A424 LMDh. This marks a crucial year for the former Formula 1 driver, who is now stepping into a collaborative dynamic with teammates who share a diverse range of experience.
Schumacher previously paired with Nicolas Lapierre and Matthieu Vaxiviere during his inaugural year in sportscar racing, where both drivers transitioned to pivotal roles in the management of the Signatech-run Hypercar class team. The shift in team composition aims to inject new energy and insights into a squad that, despite its competitive spirit, craves a revitalized approach as they look to solidify their position in the rapidly evolving landscape of endurance racing.
Frederic Makowiecki’s move to Alpine from Porsche signifies a pivotal shift in his career, as he seeks new challenges within the WEC framework. Known for his adeptness behind the wheel of the Porsche 963, Makowiecki brings not only skill but also invaluable experience that could prove crucial to Alpine’s ambitions. Team Principal Philippe Sinault highlights the imperative nature of expanding the team’s technical depth through Makowiecki’s established track record, which, combined with Schumacher’s fresh perspective, offers a novel synergy that could elevate Alpine’s performance.
Emphasizing stability alongside fresh perspectives, Sinault noted that it is vital to build on the foundations constructed in the previous season. This strategic focus aims to nurture an environment where veterans and newcomers work harmoniously, fostering an ambitious yet collaborative team spirit.
On the other hand, Jules Gounon’s transition from a reserve driver to a full-time position reflects Alpine’s confidence in his capabilities. After participating in half of the races last year, Gounon’s ascent to a regular seat offers him the chance to harness his GT expertise effectively within the Hypercar series. His prior contributions have not gone unnoticed, and his promotion is seen as a natural progression in response to his demonstrated potential and valuable insights during his initial races.
Alpine’s 2024 season saw the #36 A424 achieve its first podium finish at the Fuji round, a noteworthy accomplishment that stands as a testament to the team’s hard work and perseverance. With Schumacher, Lapierre, and Vaxiviere jointly claiming this milestone, the trajectory was set clearly toward greater aspirations. Meanwhile, the other A424, driven by Gounon, Habsburg, and Chatin, secured a commendable fourth place in the Bahrain finale, contributing to Alpine’s strong fourth-place standing in the manufacturers’ championship.
The groundwork laid during the inaugural season serves as a powerful platform to build upon as Alpine gears up for the 2025 championship. By fostering a team environment that encourages growth and collaboration, while also integrating seasoned drivers with fresh talent, Alpine seeks to carve out a competitive edge in the evolving field of endurance racing. The coming season not only presents a new challenge but also showcases Alpine’s unwavering commitment to pursuit excellence in the World Endurance Championship arena.
Leave a Reply