Mick Schumacher is increasingly adapting to the world of endurance racing, and his performances in the 2025 World Endurance Championship (WEC) suggest he might be carving out a rewarding post-Formula 1 career. Following a learning-heavy debut season, the ex-Haas F1 driver has become a standout in the Alpine A424, already achieving two podiums in the first three races of the season.
Schumacher acknowledges he’s bringing lessons from 2024 into this season and feels far more prepared and confident. Teaming up with seasoned drivers Frédéric Makowiecki and Jules Gounon, he’s now preparing for his second appearance at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours, riding a wave of momentum.
Transitioning from F1 to Endurance
The shift from single-seater racing to the collaborative, strategic world of endurance has been a challenge. Alpine Endurance Team principal Philippe Sinault explains that endurance requires teamwork and adaptability traits not always nurtured in Formula 1. Initially, Schumacher struggled with these demands, balancing reserve driver duties at Mercedes with his WEC responsibilities. But over time, his high standards and commitment became clear, and doubts about his ability to work within a team quickly disappeared.
Though Schumacher didn’t join WEC out of a burning desire rather, it was a practical step after being dropped by Haas and serving as a reserve at Mercedes he’s grown to appreciate the format, especially after a successful outing in Fuji last year, where he took his first endurance podium.
A Shift in Priorities
Schumacher faced numerous F1 rumors in 2024, including potential seats at Williams and Alpine, but nothing materialized. Tired from a hectic year, he decided to prioritize WEC in 2025, finally focusing fully on racing rather than waiting in the wings. While not dismissing F1 entirely, he now sees WEC as his main opportunity to grow and succeed.
Team insiders say he’s more at ease and invested than ever before. Alpine’s sporting director Nicolas Lapierre praises Schumacher’s role as the car’s finisher, while new teammate Makowiecki describes him as humble and eager to learn embracing even the less glamorous parts of endurance racing.
The trio’s growing bond is evident, with Schumacher organizing off-track activities to build chemistry something missing from his approach last year.
On-Track Growth
At Spa, Schumacher was in top form, playing a crucial role in the team’s podium finish. Despite a slow puncture that dashed their hopes for a win, the trio showed strong performance throughout. Schumacher even posted the fourth-fastest lap and ranked second in average lap performance among all drivers.
With Le Mans fast approaching, expectations are high. Last year’s double DNF before nightfall is a distant memory, and this time, Alpine looks poised to challenge.
F1 Dreams Still Alive, But Not Defining
Though Schumacher has long dreamed of returning to F1, he’s more grounded about it now. He admits F1 will always be on his mind, but WEC is his clear priority. His former mentor, Sebastian Vettel, has encouraged F1 teams to reconsider Schumacher, praising his growth and maturity.
However, Mick seems more at peace, no longer chasing F1 at all costs. He’s recognizing that a long, successful racing career in WEC might suit him better than the high-pressure environment of Formula 1.
Schumacher’s early career was defined by second-season breakthroughs across F4, F3, and F2. His time at Haas broke that trend, but now, in WEC, it looks like he’s recapturing that second-year momentum. Whether or not F1 comes calling again, Schumacher is finally showing what he’s capable of when given time and stability.
A recent social media post summed up his current mindset: a photo of him laughing with his teammate, captioned, “They say if you enjoy your work, you’ll be good at it… guess we’re good.”
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