Mick Schumacher, the son of legendary Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher, is set to enter a transformative year in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) as he partners with Frederic Makowiecki and Jules Gounon for the 2025 season. After a promising debut season with Alpine driving the #36 Alpine A424 LMDh, Mick faces the intriguing challenge of adapting to two new teammates. The switch comes after last year’s pairing with experienced drivers Nicolas Lapierre and Matthieu Vaxiviere, who have transitioned to different roles within the team, indicating a shift in the strategic direction of Alpine’s racing programme.
Schumacher had been hesitant to lock in his future while the Formula 1 landscape was still forming, showcasing a keen awareness of the complexities of driver contracts and team dynamics. His previous reluctance may reflect a broader strategy where connections and opportunities in motorsport are fluid and ever-changing. By closing the deal with Alpine at the end of November, Schumacher appears to have found a stable ground to build his career in endurance racing.
Joining Schumacher, Frederic Makowiecki comes to Alpine from Porsche, following a tenure that saw him competing in Hypercar racing which he deemed a “new challenge.” His expertise brings a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly elevate the team’s overall performance, particularly in understanding the intricacies of vehicle dynamics and race strategy in the ever-competitive environment of endurance racing. Gounon steps up to a full-time race seat after previously demonstrating his prowess in a reserve role. His experience in GT racing will likely contribute invaluable insights to the development of the Hypercar project, aligning with the team’s vision for growth and innovation.
Philippe Sinault, the team principal, emphasized the need for continuity amidst these changes, indicating a strategic approach to team building that prioritizes stability. Maintaining the regular line-up of Charles Milesi, Ferdinand Habsburg, and Paul-Loup Chatin in the #35 car underlines this sentiment, marrying experience with fresh talent while ensuring the team can build on the solid groundwork laid during the 2024 season.
The introduction of Makowiecki is particularly pivotal, given his extensive background, including being the first to race the Porsche 963. His technical acumen has been recognized as crucial in this formative phase of the project. Lapierre’s comments regarding Makowiecki’s contributions underscore the collaborative nature of endurance racing, where synergy among drivers and engineers can transform competitive strategies into winning outcomes.
Alpine’s A424 has already begun to showcase its potential on the track, achieving its inaugural podium at the Fuji round in September—an accomplishment that highlights the progress of the team. The competitive spirit is evident in the positive momentum, culminating in a respectable fourth place in the manufacturers’ standings. This achievement, supported by the combined expertise and dynamic of the drivers, is a testament to Alpine’s commitment to not only compete but excel within this elite racing series.
Alpine’s 2025 driver line-up signals a blend of experience and fresh potential. With a focused strategy aimed at building on past accomplishments, the team seems well-positioned to capture the attention of racing enthusiasts and compete fiercely on the global stage of endurance racing. The evolving narratives of Schumacher, Makowiecki, and Gounon will surely be fascinating to follow as they collectively strive for podium finishes and championship glory.