As Alpine Motorsport gears up for the 2025 World Endurance Championship (WEC), a significant reshuffle in the driver line-up marks an exciting transition for the team. Former Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher will be partnered with Frederic Makowiecki and Jules Gounon in the #36 Alpine A424 LMDh. This move signifies a fresh chapter for Schumacher, who embarks on his second year of endurance racing after a mixed debut season in 2024 alongside Nicolas Lapierre and Matthieu Vaxiviere.
Schumacher’s confirmation for a second consecutive season was made in late November, following a period of uncertainty as he weighed his options with open F1 seats. This decision indicates a firm commitment to developing his skills in a sport where endurance and strategy play pivotal roles. The inclusion of Makowiecki, who arrives from Porsche, and Gounon, transitioning to a full-time role after a reserve stint, demonstrates Alpine’s aim to bolster its performance through experience and technical expertise.
Stability and Experience: Key Focus Areas
One of the core objectives for Alpine’s 2025 line-up, as articulated by team boss Philippe Sinault, is stability. Retaining key drivers within the #35 vehicle—Charles Milesi, Ferdinand Habsburg, and Paul-Loup Chatin—ensures continuity from the inaugural season of the A424 platform. This strategy underscores the importance of establishing a strong foundation upon which to build future successes.
Sinault emphasized that the contributions of both new and existing team members are critical in outlining the path forward. The promotion of Gounon to a full-time role is particularly notable; his extensive experience in GT racing is seen as a valuable asset for the Hypercar project, enhancing the technical depth of the team. Moreover, with Makowiecki’s vast experience from his time with the Porsche squad, Alpine is confident that the new addition will deliver the intricate knowledge necessary for navigating the challenges of endurance racing.
Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations
Alpine’s ambitions for the upcoming WEC season are clear. Following a podium finish at the Fuji event in September, the team aims to build on this momentum. The objective is not only to secure more podiums but potentially to rival leading teams in the manufacturers’ standings. The management believes that the combined knowledge and leadership of Makowiecki and Schumacher will enhance the synergy within the team.
As 2025 looms on the horizon, it is evident that Alpine is keen on leveraging its existing strengths while infusing new talent into the mix. The strategic choices made by the management indicate a resolute aim to maximize performance and capitalize on every opportunity in a fiercely competitive landscape. Ultimately, the careful consideration behind the driver selections reflects Alpine’s long-term vision—a vision focused on molding a championship-contending team in the exhilarating domain of endurance racing.