Mick Schumacher could be Alpine answer to driver unrest as son of F1 legend offered return to the grid

Alpine might provide Mick Schumacher with an opportunity to return to the Formula 1 circuit amidst tension between their current drivers.

Schumacher, son of the legendary seven-time champion Michael, boasts two years of F1 experience. He spent those seasons with Haas, but was let go at the conclusion of the 2022 campaign. Post-Haas, he secured a position as a reserve driver for Mercedes, yet hasn't had the chance to compete for the prestigious team. Before this season kicked off, he joined Alpine's World Endurance Championship programme and is set to participate in the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans next month.

His recent association with the French squad could pave the way for a spot on their F1 team. Both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly's contracts are due to expire at the end of this year, and the pair have once again been at odds after a clash in Monaco. Ocon made a bold but misguided attempt to overtake his teammate on the opening lap. The manoeuvre resulted in contact, with Gasly's front-right wheel lifting the other Alpine off the ground, and Ocon was fortunate not to overturn, reports the Mirror.

The stewards penalised Ocon, who later acknowledged his mistake on social media. Nonetheless, an exasperated team principal Bruno Famin told French media that there would be "consequences" for Ocon following his "attack" on Gasly. Famin has acknowledged Schumacher, as a potential team member for the upcoming year, expressing to Sky Germany his satisfaction with the 25-year-old.

"I'm very happy with Mick, he's super fast", he said. "But that's not the main thing in the WEC, you have to drive at a consistently high level and have a good team spirit."

He praised Schumacher's adaptability and teamwork, saying, "I'm very