Mick Schumacher said his first racing commitment in two years will help develop his skills to ensure he does not fall behind other drivers ahead of his second Formula 1 season as Mercedes-AMG’s reserve driver.
Alpine announced Schumacher as one of their six-person Hypercar crew for the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship.
The 24-year-old held the Mercedes-AMG F1 reserve role since the beginning of the 2023 F1 season, and will continue doing so into next year.
His WEC seat is the first full-time racing commitment since his Haas F1 stint ended in 2022. He spoke to the media about the purpose of this role alongside his F1 responsibilities.
“Formula 1 has always been the dream, and it will always remain a dream,” he said in Abu Dhabi.
“So whenever I get the chance to do that step back (into F1), I’m sure I’m going to grab it with both hands and we’re going to prove it to everybody.
“But there’s no reason for me to stay here, not race, [and] fall behind everybody.
“I’d rather go out there, find something to race and develop my skills.
“And if in the end that leads – not a way back into Formula 1 – but another career, then I’m happy to do that.”
There is a limited possibility he will return, as the previous time Mercedes-AMG enlisted a replacement driver was at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix after Hamilton tested positive for COVID-19, which made way for George Russell’s Mercedes debut.
There are four clashes between the F1 and WEC calendar next year, and Schumacher has expressed his clear priority towards the Brackley F1 outfit, if he was asked to replace Hamilton or Russell.
Grand Prix in China, Italy, Baku, Brazil are expected to clash with the following WEC events: 6 Hours of Imola on 21 April, Lone Star Le Mans on 1 September, 6 Hours of Fuji on 15 September, and the 8 Hours of Bahrain finale on 2 November.
Whilst he will not need to concern about the crucial 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, at least one absence more than his co-pilots would put him behind them on the Drivers’ Championship points haulage for his A424 LMDh.
On the other hand, success in the form of podiums or wins in the French manufacturer’s maiden Hypercar season could see the Schumacher take glory at Le Mans, emulating the likes of fellow (Scuderia Ferrari F1) reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi who was part of the Centenary Le Mans-winning effort.
Alpine are set to officially launch their 2024 campaign on 7 February.
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