It was expected, it is now official: Frédéric Makowiecki will indeed be an Alpine driver in the World Endurance Championship in 2025. After his announcement of the departure from Porsche, the 44-year-old driver had been anticipated for many weeks in the stable at A arrow for next season.
“I feel a lot of pride as a French pilot, exprime Makowiecki. It's something special to be able to represent a French manufacturer entered in the FIA World Endurance Championship with the possibility of aiming for overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, especially as Alpine has an extremely rich history in the sport. automobile. I really liked the speech and the evolution of the team. Alpine was able to progress and shine from its first season against tough competition. I arrive with a lot of humility, but I hope to bring a lot to the team. Doing everything better than everyone else will be crucial to take the final steps, and I can't wait to be in Qatar! »
Gounon promoted, Schumacher continues
Alpine has also confirmed the five other drivers who will start in the two A424s next season. Unsurprisingly, Paul-Loup Chatin, Charles Milesi and Ferdinand Habsburg will still be there. Reserve this season, but expected to start in 2025, Jules Gounon is very present despite the recent arrival of Mercedes in the GT3 category. “I approach this season with a very positive state of mind, says Gounon. This will be my first full campaign in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Alpine Endurance Team since I was reserve driver in 2024. I was able to compete in four races, but I am really happy to be able to become a starter thanks to the trust that Alpine places in me. It's a close-knit team, collaboration is close between each of us and the understanding is excellent between all the drivers, which allows the whole team to work well and move forward together. »
Mick Schumacher continues the adventure with Alpine – Photo: Alpine
Finally, Mick Schumacher continues the adventure with the A arrow. The German, released from his obligations with Mercedes in F1 a little earlier in the day, continues the adventure on the strength of his podium at the 6 Hours of Fuji alongside Nicolas Lapierre and Matthieu Vaxiviere. The last two named will no longer be Alpine drivers in 2025, the first taking up his duties as sporting director of the team from January 1, the second having to find a new challenge outside of Alpine. “ I am delighted to continue to be part of the Alpine Endurance adventure, rejoices Schumacher. We had a great first year together and I am determined to make the program perform even better in this second season. We have defined points on which we want to push, so I am really looking forward to starting my second campaign in Endurance. »
« With Bruno and Nicolas, it seemed crucial to us to perpetuate the solid elements with which we laid our foundations, explains Philippe Sinault, the main team of Alpine Endurance Team. Charles, Ferdinand, Mick and Paul-Loup greatly contributed to the implementation of the project by showing true dedication. Jules continued his integration through his role as a reserve pilot and he was able to meet our expectations, so we were keen to promote him within our ranks. Finally, the arrival of Frédéric Makowiecki is a real plus. His presence will allow us to benefit from all his experience, but also from his sporting and technical legitimacy. His state of mind and his character correspond to our project. He is a personality that makes you want to work with him and his contribution will help us progress towards our common goal. »
The distribution of crews between cars no. 35 and 36 is not yet known for next season. The 2025 season will begin on February 28 with the 1812 km of Qatar.
ALSO READ > Frédéric Makowiecki: “You have to accept the fact that you need a new challenge”
