Former Formula 1 driver for Haas and current Mercedes reserve, Schumacher, has demonstrated a willingness to adapt to the collaborative nature of sportscar racing, rather than pursuing individual success, as noted by four-time Le Mans 24 Hours class winner, Lapierre.
Reflecting on Schumacher’s transition from single-seaters to sportscar racing, Lapierre recalled the initial impression during Schumacher’s first test at Jerez.
Lapierre emphasized two possible attitudes for drivers making such a shift: either prioritizing personal glory or embracing teamwork. He commended Schumacher’s approach, highlighting his team-oriented mindset and immediate speed on the track.
Schumacher’s integration into the Alpine team was marked by his testing of the Alpine A424 LMDh last October, impressing the French manufacturer enough to secure a spot in their lineup for the 2024 season alongside seasoned teammates Lapierre and Matthieu Vaxiviere.
Having previously competed in Formula 1 with Haas for two seasons from 2021 to 2022, Schumacher’s best result being sixth place at the Austrian Grand Prix, he now serves as a reserve driver for Mercedes in 2024, with the possibility of being called upon even during WEC race weekends.
Lapierre highlighted the value of Schumacher’s Formula 1 experience, citing the insights and perspectives gained from working with a top-tier team like Mercedes, which enrich the dynamics within the Alpine team.
Following a year on the sidelines in 2023 after being replaced by Nico Hulkenberg at Haas, Schumacher expressed his ambition to return to Formula 1 but affirmed his current focus on his Hypercar program with Alpine, acknowledging the uncertainty of the future.
Schumacher, Lapierre, and Vaxiviere finished 12th overall in the opening round of WEC in Qatar, with Alpine teammates securing points in eighth place, marking a successful comeback to Hypercar racing for the French manufacturer.
Reflecting on the race, Schumacher expressed satisfaction with their performance and praised the achievement of the sister car in scoring points.