Contract for Gasly: Schumacher's Formula 1 chances dwindle

Competition for the cockpit – Contract for Gasly: Schumacher’s Formula 1 chances dwindle
Mick Schumacher’s chances of returning to Formula 1 have slightly decreased. The French Alpine-Team, for which Schumacher currently competes in the Endurance World Championship, announced the contract extension with current regular driver Pierre Gasly (28) on the sidelines of the Austrian Grand Prix.

This means that only one seat is now free for the upcoming season at the former Renault team. It was previously unclear if Gasly would stay or if there might even be two open spots.

Schumacher is determined to come back

Alpine had previously announced the separation of Gasly’s French teammate Esteban Ocon at the end of the season, creating room for speculation about the succession. According to rumors, the favorite for the position is currently the Australian Jack Doohan. On the coming Wednesday, Doohan (21) and Schumacher (25) will test in an old Alpine racing car from 2022 at the English Silverstone. It is reported by the motorsport-magazine.com that the two-day test is also about securing the second fixed seat for the next year.

The current Formula 2 driver Doohan and Schumacher are good friends – just like their fathers. Motorbike legend Mick Doohan is considered one of Michael Schumacher’s best friends in Formula 1.

Alpine team boss Bruno Famin confirmed that Mick Schumacher is among the candidates for a contract. Schumacher last raced for Alpine at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but retired due to technical problems. Michael Schumacher’s biggest goal is a comeback in Formula 1. After two years in the motor racing kingdom class, he did not receive a new contract from the US team Haas at the end of 2022. Currently, Schumacher is also a test and reserve driver for Mercedes’ factory team.