As Alpine considers potential options for the future following confirmation that Esteban Ocon will leave the squad at the end of 2024, Mick Schumacher’s name has been mentioned.
However, Günther Steiner, the former team principal of Schumacher’s at Haas, believes the French works team should not offer him a swift return to Formula 1.
“Not at the moment, no,” Steiner responded when asked on “The Red Flags Podcast” if Alpine should consider Schumacher for a seat next year. “I think, as I’ve said before, Alpine needs the best driver available out there.”
According to Steiner, the son of seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher is not currently in the running. Instead, the former Haas Team Principal sees Carlos Sainz, whose contract with Ferrari ends this season, as the best driver on the market. However, Sainz is strongly linked with a move to Audi or Williams.
Steiner also has another candidate in mind as he picks Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver has had a very impressive start to 2024, clearly outperforming Daniel Ricciardo.
“I would go for Yuki Tsunoda. As a works team, you have to make sure you get the best,” said the 59-year-old.
Steiner and Schumacher worked together at the US team Haas between 2021 and 2022. Due to predominantly poor results, partly due to an inferior package, Steiner let the now 25-year-old go, replacing him with Nico Hülkenberg. The relationship between the two was considered strained during their time together.
Recently, Alpine boss Bruno Famin gave Schumacher significant hope for a comeback in 2025.
“Everything is open, everyone is talking to everyone,” the Frenchman said when asked about the German’s chances.
“Of course, it would be a mistake not to have him on the list.”
After his stint with Haas, Schumacher became a reserve driver for Mercedes. This year, he is also competing for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). This involvement makes him a candidate for next year, although Jack Doohan is the favourite right now.
