Toto Wolff shares what he’s heard about ‘super’ Mick Schumacher test at Alpine

Follow us on Google Discover

Mick Schumacher is hoping to secure an F1 comeback in 2025. He’s spent the last two years on the outside looking in after losing his spot at Haas.

Schumacher initially earned his spot on the grid by winning the F2 title, but he only lasted two years before Haas replaced him with the vastly more experienced Nico Hulkenberg. To compound his woes, Ferrari then announced they would no longer be backing him.

The German subsequently took on a reserve role at Mercedes, one that also sees him test for McLaren. Predictably, Schumacher isn’t a contender to replace Lewis Hamilton.

But Alpine could potentially make him an offer. The 25-year-old has been representing the team in the World Endurance Championship this year.

The Enstone outfit have recently tied Pierre Gasly down to a new multi-year deal. But they have a vacancy alongside him after agreeing to part ways with Esteban Ocon.

It looked as if Alpine would sign Carlos Sainz, but he’s now back in contention to join Mercedes. Schumacher’s task is to position himself as the best alternative.

Toto Wolff says Mick Schumacher shone in Alpine test with Jack Doohan

Schumacher recently carried out a test in the 2022 Alpine car at the Paul Ricard circuit in France. The team’s reserve driver Jack Doohan was also in action, offering a vital reference.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff relayed some positive feedback on his performance. He’s heard that Alpine were delighted with his showing.

It’s unclear if this will be enough to beat Doohan, or indeed any other competitors, to a seat. But it’s not the only strong performance Schumacher has delivered in F1 machinery lately.

He outpaced Williams’ Alex Albon in a wet-weather Pirelli test at Silverstone earlier this week. He was driving a faster McLaren, but this was still a noteworthy feat.

“From what I understand from Alpine, it was a super test for him,” Wolff said. “He did really well and I’m happy to hear that. That’s the message I got. I’m very happy, but that was to be expected.”

Why two F1 teams have already rejected Schumacher

Schumacher was never realistically going to be a candidate for the Mercedes seat despite the work he’s carried out for the team. His stock was too low to convince the Silver Arrows’ board.

Former Ferrari boss Jean Todt believes Schumacher is better than half the drivers on the current grid. But it’s team owners and team principals who really need convincing.

Logically, Williams should be in the frame. Their engine deal has long tied them to Mercedes, and their boss James Vowles previously worked as the chief strategist at Brackley.

However, Vowles believes that Schumacher is simply too slow to merit consideration. Instead, he could turn to one of his former colleagues in Valtteri Bottas, a proven commodity in F1.