In an exciting shift within the Alpine team, Mick Schumacher will be teaming up with seasoned drivers Frederic Makowiecki and Jules Gounon for the 2025 World Endurance Championship (WEC). This adjustment in the driver lineup marks a significant change for Schumacher as he embarks on his second year in the world of sportscar racing, now piloting the #36 Alpine A424 LMDh. In contrast to the previous year, where he shared the track with experienced drivers Nicolas Lapierre and Matthieu Vaxiviere, both of whom now serve in strategic roles within the organization, the new additions promise a compelling dynamic.
The recruitment of Makowiecki, who has transitioned from Porsche’s Hypercar division, signals his quest for a renewed challenge post-2024. This shift is not only about personal ambitions but also contributes to the strategy behind Alpine’s performance trajectory. Gounon, stepping into a full-time racing role after a partial season, signifies a commendable promotion based on his proven capabilities as a reserve driver. The Alpine team aims to enhance its competitive edge by capitalizing on Gounon’s robust experience in GT racing, which they believe will be invaluable in the Hypercar category.
Alpine’s decision to maintain the core members of the #35 car—Charles Milesi, Ferdinand Habsburg, and Paul-Loup Chatin—offers a strategic layer of stability. This cohesive structure is pivotal in facilitating development continuity, allowing the team to build upon the framework established in the previous year. Philippe Sinault, the boss at Signatech, emphasized this need for stability as a core strategy in constructing the 2025 lineup in collaboration with Alpine motorsport manager Bruno Famin and Lapierre.
Alpine’s A424 had a promising 2024 season, securing its first podium at the Fuji round with a strong presence from Schumacher, Lapierre, and Vaxiviere. This accomplishment not only solidified Alpine’s standing within the manufacturers’ championship but also set a foundation for the upcoming competitions. With Gounon’s promotion and Makowiecki’s extensive knowledge of Hypercar dynamics, the team hopes to leverage their diverse skill sets to enhance their on-track performance.
As Alpine gears up for the challenges of the 2025 season, the combined expertise of the new driver ensemble is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s ambitions. The infusion of Makowiecki’s vast experience alongside Gounon’s fresh insights could yield a potent mix beneficial for tackling the intricacies of the WEC. With the stakes of endurance racing growing ever higher, the adaptations and decisions made now could very well determine Alpine’s trajectory in the competitive landscape of motorsport. The upcoming season promises to be a testament to the resilience and adaptability of this restructured team, as they aim to carve their names deeper into the annals of endurance racing history.
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