As the world of motorsport evolves, Alpine Racing is setting the stage for an exciting 2025 season in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). The team has announced a significant shift in driver line-up, which is poised to enhance their competitive edge in the LMDh category. Former Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher will be joined by seasoned racers Frederic Makowiecki and Jules Gounon in the #36 Alpine A424 LMDh. This change marks Schumacher’s second consecutive year in endurance racing, highlighting Alpine’s commitment to fostering new talent while also enriching their roster with experienced drivers.
The integration of Makowiecki into the Alpine team is particularly noteworthy, as he brings a wealth of experience from his days with Porsche in the Hypercar division. This transition marks a pivotal moment in his career, as he seeks new challenges within a different environment. Simultaneously, Jules Gounon, who previously fulfilled a reserve role, steps up to a full-time position, demonstrating how carefully Alpine is structuring its line-up to ensure continuity and growth. The previous year’s pair, Nicolas Lapierre and Matthieu Vaxiviere, have transitioned to influential roles within the team, ensuring that the legacy of knowledge and experience continues.
Signatech’s team principal, Philippe Sinault, emphasized the importance of stability when preparing for the new season. This approach speaks volumes about the team’s strategic planning, seeking to build on the robust foundation established during their initial participation with the A424. Stability in driver lines can foster teamwork, trust, and a refined understanding of the car’s nuances, crucial for achieving success in endurance racing, where every minute detail can make a difference.
Sinault’s recognition of Gounon’s GT background showcases a keen insight into how diverse experience can contribute to overall performance. Gounon’s promotion from a reserve driver to a race seat reflects Alpine’s confidence in his abilities to add depth to their technical capabilities and competitive strategy.
Looking forward, both Schumacher and Makowiecki are expected to play pivotal roles in elevating Alpine’s performance on the track. Lapierre’s comments regarding Makowiecki’s technical background underline the necessity of combining experience with youthful enthusiasm, a blend that could yield positive results for the team. The past year has shown promising outcomes for Alpine’s A424, including a podium finish at the Fuji round, suggesting that they are on the right trajectory.
As they gear up for the 2025 season, the success of Alpine racing will depend on how well the new team dynamics can translate into performance. With the wealth of experience from Makowiecki combined with the fresh vigor from Schumacher and Gounon, all eyes will be on Alpine Racing to see how they capitalize on their strategic line-up changes. The upcoming races in the WEC will certainly serve as a litmus test for the team’s ambitions and their journey toward securing a prominent position among endurance racing elite.