The test was conducted at Jerez, a circuit found in the south of Spain and is often used by F1 teams as a test venue.

It was confirmed by Signatech Alpine Endurance team principal Philippe Sinault that the German driver had participated in the test, in what was his first experience behind the wheel of a prototype.

“Mick has some interest in endurance and we had the opportunity to offer him a first experience in endurance,” Sinault told Sportscar365.

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

“[It was] his first time in the car and the first time in a prototype. It’s not a question if he’s able to drive a prototype. For sure, in terms of level, but also in terms of mind, approach and spirit.”

Whether the Mercedes reserve will race for Alpine in the Hypercar category next season is unconfirmed; however, given that he’s taken part in a test shows that there is some interest from both parties.

What this will mean for his duties with the Silver Arrows is also unknown, given that Alpine also have an F1 outfit, who were linked to the driver last season following the announcement of Fernando Alonso’s departure.

Esteban Ocon reportedly wanted the Enstone-based team to sign Schumacher, rather than Pierre Gasly.

Schumacher, of course, went onto be released by Haas at the end of the 2022 campaign, as the Americans opted to sign Nico Hulkenberg rather than give the son of Michael Schumacher a new contract.

The 24-year-old did cost Haas an incredible amount of money in repairs last season, following heavy shunts in Saudi Arabia and Monaco where his car split into two.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was very quick to snap up Schumacher after he was released by Haas, with the Austrian rating the German very highly.

Wolff, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have all been very impressed by Schumacher’s work; however, he ultimately wants to be on the F1 grid.

READ: Red Bull’s key 2024 challenger emerges

This isn’t set to happen until 2025 at the earliest, as Williams are expected to retain Logan Sargeant.

It appears that his best bet to return to the F1 grid will come in 2026, when Audi enter the championship at the start of the new power unit regulations.

Until then, racing for Alpine in the WEC would keep him sharp, whilst he could arguably continue with his Mercedes reserve role, given that other reserve drivers tend to race in other championships alongside their F1 duties.

The post Mick Schumacher moves closer to racing return appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

The French outfit, despite experiencing a somewhat disappointing 2023 season, currently holds the sixth position in the constructors’ standings with five races remaining.

This surge of investment followed the entry of Hollywood actors and co-owners of League Two outfit Wrexham, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, into the Alpine fold back in June. 

At the commencement of the season, Alpine also proudly unveiled Real Madrid and French World Cup winner, Zinedine Zidane, as a team ambassador.

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies 

The latest chapter in Alpine’s journey to greatness introduces six remarkable additions to their roster of investors. 

Notable among these are Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, both of whom are two-time Super Bowl champions representing the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Alpine has also welcomed British boxing sensation Anthony Joshua, world-renowned golfer Rory McIlroy, Liverpool’s vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, and former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata.

Reportedly, Alpine has secured a substantial £173 million [$200 million] investment, facilitated by Otro Capital, a venture embraced by these six sporting luminaries along with Eberg Capital founder, Roger Ehrenberg.

The group of investors eagerly embraced this monumental opportunity, with NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes stating, “I’ve always had a passion for all sports. 

The opportunity to lead an investor group with Travis in Alpine F1 alongside Otro Capital was one I couldn’t pass up. 

“It’s an exciting time for the sport, and this is an opportunity to bring our shared values to the world stage.”

His teammate Travis Kelce added, “I am thrilled to lead an investor group and join forces with Patrick and the team at Otro Capital on this exciting venture with Alpine F1. 

“Our shared passion for excellence and innovation forms the cornerstone of this partnership. 

“It’s about being able to contribute to a sport that demands precision, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of success. 

“I am looking forward to this new chapter and can’t wait to see what we achieve together.”

The involvement of NFL stars holds particular significance, given the recent support of Taylor Swift, a notable supporter of the Chiefs, present at numerous games. T

he allure of Formula One may very well entice Swift, along with other Chiefs players, to future races, including those in Miami and Las Vegas during the 2024 season.

READ: Mick Schumacher takes major step to racing return

Ryder Cup star Rory McIlroy, expressing his enthusiasm, shared a bicep flexing emoji on Instagram to highlight his involvement, stating, “Passion for excellence on the golf course has led me to admire the same pursuit in Formula 1. 

Partnering with Otro Capital in Alpine F1 is an exhilarating venture that unites my love for sports, competition, and the relentless drive to be the best.”

Two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua eagerly seized the opportunity, asserting, “The heritage of the team, mixed with the global growth of Formula 1 as a sport and brand, made this a very serious proposition.”

The post Alpine announces new financial backers appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

The celebrity investors are part of the Otro Capital investment group, which currently holds a 24 percent stake in the Alpine F1 team. 

While these new investors won’t directly contribute to the team’s budget, they bring prestige and diversification to the project.

Lewis Hamilton, with a net worth of £235 million, and Max Verstappen, valued at £74 million, are F1’s leading stars with a combined estimated net worth of £309 million. 

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies 

However, Otro Capital had already boasted influential backers, including Hollywood personalities Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, who own League Two football club Wrexham. 

Their involvement in the Alpine project in 2023 marked the beginning of this star-studded investment group.

In addition to McElhenney and Reynolds, seven more notable partners have joined the Otro Capital fold, including six renowned athletes and iconic U.S.-based investor Roger Ehrenberg. 

The new investors include football luminaries Juan Mata (£49 million) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£3 million), golf legend Rory McIlroy (£170 million), and boxing sensation Anthony Joshua, who is expanding his investment portfolio. 

Completing the group are Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes (£58 million) and Travis Kelce (£25 million).

When combined, these six athletes have an estimated collective net worth of £371 million. 

When added to Reynolds’ (£288 million) and McElhenney’s (£50 million) worth, the celebrity investors possess substantial financial power. 

Altogether, they represent a joint net worth of £709 million, which is more than double the combined net worth of Hamilton and Verstappen (£309 million).

Travis Kelce shared his enthusiasm for the Alpine F1 project, explaining, “I am thrilled to lead an investor group and join forces with Patrick and the team at Otro Capital on this exciting venture with Alpine F1. 

“Our shared passion for excellence and innovation forms the cornerstone of this partnership. 

“It’s about being able to contribute to a sport that demands precision, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of success. 

“I am looking forward to this new chapter and can’t wait to see what we achieve together.”

Patrick Mahomes, a two-time NFL MVP, also expressed his excitement about the investment opportunity with Alpine F1, stating, “I’ve always had a passion for all sports. 

READ: Sergio Perez urged by team boss to run away from Max Verstappen

“The opportunity to lead an investor group with Travis in Alpine F1 alongside Otro Capital was one I couldn’t pass up. 

“It’s an exciting time for the sport, and this is an opportunity to bring our shared values to the world stage. 

“I’m looking forward to being a part of its growth.”

The post Alpine attracts investment from stars worth more than Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Following his departure from Haas after the 2022 season, Schumacher has been exploring alternate career paths, with his options to return to Formula 1 gradually diminishing.

While Schumacher initially harboured hopes of making a Formula 1 comeback, his role as a reserve driver with Mercedes throughout the season did not lead to a full-time racing seat. 

This has prompted the young German to consider a “Plan B,” with rumours circulating that he has been in discussions with Alpine regarding a potential WEC drive.

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

Bruno Famin, the interim team boss of Alpine, confirmed the talks, stating, “It’s true that we’re talking with Mick about the possibility to race in our endurance program with the A424. 

“It would be a good opportunity for both parties, I think.”

Reports from Motorsport-Magazin.com indicate that progress is being made in this direction. 

Alpine has officially announced that Schumacher will test their WEC prototype, the A424, at the Jerez circuit on Tuesday. 

However, it’s important to note that while this test indicates Schumacher’s potential involvement in the WEC and Le Mans next year, the final driver lineup for Alpine’s two cars in the Hypercar class is yet to be confirmed.

Should Schumacher sign with Alpine for WEC, he could also continue his role as Mercedes’ reserve driver in the coming season, effectively juggling both commitments. 

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has expressed his willingness to support Schumacher, stating, “Whatever program he does decide, he can stay, if it is possible from the other side, with us as a reserve driver.”

READ: Lando Norris brands Fernando Alonso ‘silly’ as he responds to claim

Speaking to ORF, Mick Schumacher emphasised that nothing is set in stone at this stage. 

When questioned about when an official announcement could be expected, he replied, “It will probably take a little more time until then. 

“But of course, I have to look at my options, and of course, there are talks.”

The post Mick Schumacher takes major step to racing return appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

While he had initially aspired to make a racing grid return next year, recent developments have suggested that he might continue in his reserve role at Mercedes, concurrently participating in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine.

Two weeks ago, the 24-year-old son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher refuted claims that the Alpine-Le Mans deal had been finalised. 

Schumacher now acknowledges that work is ongoing behind the scenes to shape his future endeavours.

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

“In the background, there’s work on my own plans for next year,” Schumacher disclosed. 

“These are still evolving, and it’s just a matter of trying to understand exactly which direction we can go in, how to fit in the commitments and things like that. 

“It just takes time,” he explained, offering insights into the complexity of decision-making at this juncture.

Moreover, Schumacher hinted that the prospective Alpine deal would not clash with his reserve role at Mercedes for the 2024 season. 

He spoke of his curiosity about getting to know the Mercedes team better and integrating himself within it. 

“It’s been good to get to know the people that worked with my dad and all the new colleagues too,” Schumacher said, underscoring the importance of building relationships within the team.

Schumacher reaffirmed his commitment to Mercedes for the remainder of the current season. 

He disclosed his intention to be present at every race, prepared to step in if Lewis Hamilton or George Russell were unable to continue. 

Additionally, he remains actively involved in the development of the car for the 2024 season.

“The development of W15 started quite a while ago,” Schumacher revealed, shedding light on the team’s forward-looking efforts. 

READ: Mercedes warn Lewis Hamilton about floor upgrade

“It’s really an ongoing progress. 

“Everything we learn from this year’s car along the way feeds into next year. 

“And we’ve learned a great deal.”

The post Mick Schumacher provides 2024 contract update appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

The race weekend in Qatar was marked by scorching temperatures, with the mercury frequently soaring above 35 degrees Celsius. 

The intensity of the race was further heightened by the mandate for 18-lap maximum stints per tire compound, a precautionary measure to address concerns regarding the tires’ response to the kerbs. 

With less worry about tire wear, drivers were able to push their vehicles harder, leading to a continuous barrage of fast laps, all while grappling with the oppressive heat inside the cockpit.

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

Ocon revealed that early in the Grand Prix, he experienced severe discomfort, including nausea, while Williams driver Logan Sargeant withdrew from the competition due to his deteriorating health.

Speaking to the media after the race, Ocon expressed his astonishment at the extremely challenging conditions he faced. 

He stated, “In Jeddah, that’s how it feels, a flat-out push from start to finish. 

“But I never felt something like that. It was so hot that I wanted to open the visor in the straight line because I had no air. 

“I was trying to also guide, with my hand, some air into the helmet because the more I was breathing to try and get everything lower, the more heat was coming inside the helmet. 

“It was hell in there. 

“But next year, we’re coming [later] so that should be better.”

READ: Why George Russell is furious at Lewis Hamilton

When asked if he had contemplated retiring from the race due to his physical discomfort, Ocon responded resolutely, saying, “No. You need to kill me before I retire. It’s true.”

Ocon is currently battling to finish in the top 10 of the Drivers’ standings, with just three points separating him from Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll.

Splitting the pair is Ocon’s teammate Pierre Gasly, with the two having put Alpine in P6 of the Constructors’ Standings.

The post Esteban Ocon: ‘You need to kill me’ appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

The race was marred by intense heat, leading to several drivers experiencing medical issues post-race, including visits to the medical centre by Lance Stroll, Alex Albon, and Logan Sargeant, despite Max Verstappen’s victory.

Ocon, who achieved an impressive seventh-place finish for Alpine, disclosed that he endured a particularly demanding ordeal. 

By lap 15, he found himself vomiting inside his helmet, a distressing experience that he managed to overcome through sheer mental resilience. 

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

Ocon recounted, “I was throwing up yeah, by lap 15, 16, for two laps, I think. 

“Managed to get it under control I think just mentally, tried to focus on exactly what I had to do. 

“I’ve never had that in the past.

“I’ve always been able to do two race distances in the car. 

“It must have been like 80 degrees [Fahrenheit] inside the car today.”

The challenging conditions inside the cockpit compounded as Ocon breathed heavily to regain composure in the corners, further intensifying the heat within his helmet. 

READ: Carlos Sainz slapped with warning after Max Verstappen lashes out 

The experience left him profoundly shaken, as he described it as “honestly horrible.”

Fortunately for Ocon, he now has a well-deserved respite ahead of him, with a two-week gap before the upcoming US Grand Prix in Texas. 

This break will provide him with the opportunity to recover and prepare for the challenges of the next race.

The post F1 driver reveals he vomited for two laps in Qatar appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

The circumstances surrounding this contentious manoeuvre appeared to be mired in miscommunication, with both drivers harbouring different interpretations of the team’s instructions. 

Gasly, waving his frustration at the team, was vocally displeased with the situation. 

However, with time to reflect on the events, Gasly adopted a more composed demeanour when addressing the matter in the lead-up to the Qatar Grand Prix.

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

“Everything has been discussed, and I’ll leave it there,” Gasly initially stated, choosing not to delve further into the topic. 

When pressed about the “rules of engagement” within Alpine, he remained steadfast, saying, “As I said, everything has been discussed, and I have no further comment on that.”

Esteban Ocon also acknowledged that the incident had been the subject of internal discussions within the team but refrained from revealing the specifics of those conversations. 

He emphasised the importance of their discussions, stating, “We’ve discussed it internally, which is the most important [thing], and we know where we are going from now.”

Reflecting on the team’s past experiences with similar situations, Ocon commented, “But it’s been the similar thing a couple of years ago. 

“We’ve made those switches from one side or another, and the important [thing] for us as a team is to maximise the results that we can get, and we try to do that. 

“In that race, unfortunately, we didn’t manage to get one more position, so we made the switch back. 

“But, I mean, now we know where we’re going with the team, and that’s the most important.”

When asked if he understood Gasly’s frustration, Ocon expressed his preference for genuine racing regardless of the potential gains. 

He revealed, “I’m always on the side of I prefer to race, doesn’t matter what there is to gain in front. 

READ: Will Red Bull have 4 cars in F1 in 2024?

“There shouldn’t be artificial racing in any way, and I’m more of an old school guy on that one. 

“I just prefer to race, doesn’t matter what the circumstances [are], even if there is a podium to get in front. 

“But I also understand the side of the team, which is, you know, to try and get as many points as we can, which is normal so you need to understand both.”

The post Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly tight-lipped amid concerns  appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

The team introduced significant revisions to its car at the Singapore Grand Prix last month, and while they anticipate one or two more minor updates later this year, Alpine’s focus has now shifted primarily to the development of their 2024 chassis.

Alpine’s Head of Trackside Engineering, Ciaron Pilbeam, explained, “I would say probably [that’s] the last major upgrade, but we’re not quite done yet. 

“We’ve got one or two other bits and pieces coming later in the year.”

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

The Enstone-based outfit had a promising 2022 campaign, finishing fourth in the Constructors’ standings. 

However, this season has not lived up to expectations, and Alpine has struggled to replicate its previous performance.

The team’s driver lineup, featuring Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, both hailing from France, aimed to make an impact at the start of the season. 

Still, the drivers have faced challenges adapting to the A523 car in a turbulent year that has fallen short of Alpine’s ambitious goals.

Pierre Gasly candidly addressed the season’s performance, saying, “In terms of performance, it’s fair to say it doesn’t live up to the expectations going into the season. 

“We wanted to consolidate fourth in the teams’ championship. 

“We haven’t been able to do it with the progress of Aston Martin and McLaren.”

While Alpine’s 2023 season has not been without its highlights, including podium finishes for both drivers, the team acknowledges that their overall performance has been inconsistent and often dependent on the specific track.

Gasly reflected on the season’s achievements, saying, “Two top threes with the Sprints, in contention for the podium in Monaco. Strong in Melbourne, there’s been definitely some good performance. 

READ: ‘You don’t need Lewis’: Mercedes warned about Hamilton and Russell

“But I would say the package is too inconsistent, too track-dependent.”

Despite the challenges faced this year, Alpine remains determined to finish the season on a positive note and is already channeling its efforts into preparing for the 2024 season. 

With a focus on chassis development and an understanding of the areas that need improvement, the team is committed to returning stronger and more competitive in the next Formula 1 campaign.

The post Alpine deliver bad news to Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Ocon had been forced to pit under the Safety Car during the opening lap of the race after sustaining a puncture at the start. 

However, he managed to move ahead of Gasly during the latter’s first stint on the medium tires. 

As the race entered its final stages, both drivers were in pursuit of Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin, with Alpine hoping that Gasly’s fresher tires would provide a better chance of overtaking Alonso.

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

The team instructed the drivers to swap positions to maximise their chances, but Gasly was unable to catch Alonso and was then asked to relinquish the position back to Ocon on the final lap. 

Gasly was visibly upset by this request, as it had not been discussed as part of the team’s pre-race strategy.

Ocon maintained that the swap-back manoeuvre was a standard procedure and had been part of Alpine’s policy for years, labelling Gasly’s reaction as a “complete joke.”

Famin clarified that there were no lingering issues between Gasly and Ocon despite the incident. 

He explained, “We don’t have any problem between the drivers. 

“I think it’s [because] they are all fighting for having their own best results, which is normal and what they are paid for. 

“But they are also paid for having the best team results.”

Famin also justified the team’s decision, saying, “For having the best team result, we left Pierre in front of Esteban to have the possibility – even if it was small – of trying to catch Fernando. 

“This was not possible, so to swap back is very normal.”

However, Gasly’s perspective differed from the team’s explanation. He expressed his frustration, saying, “It was never said that we would need to invert again because I was always in front. 

“For the team, it’s the same – ninth and tenth – but it’s definitely not something I expected, and not really something I understand.”

Famin acknowledged that there may have been communication issues and suggested that the team needed to clarify when and how the information was conveyed to Gasly. 

He mentioned potential problems with radio signal quality and driver focus as contributing factors to the miscommunication.

Despite Gasly’s public frustration over the radio and his demeanour in the cockpit after the race, Famin downplayed the incident, describing it as a natural reaction from a competitive driver. 

READ: Carlos Sainz fired number 1 driver warning at Ferrari

He stated, “They are fighters, just right after the race, they are disappointed, it’s normal. 

“We can talk for hours about the way he did it. 

“But I’m just convinced it’s an epiphenomenon.”

The post Alpine issue statement on ‘problem’ between Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.