Guenther Steiner asserted that Alpine should explore all possibilities before selecting Mick Schumacher as a replacement for Esteban Ocon.
Alpine is currently facing challenges both on and off the track. An incident involving Ocon and a teammate at the recent race has caused tensions within the Enstone-based team. It is rumored that the French team is considering alternative options for Ocon’s position in 2025. However, the former Haas F1 boss, Steiner, stated that the Renault works team should not sign Schumacher.
Schumacher made his Formula 1 debut under Steiner’s guidance at Haas. However, the German driver faced significant criticism from various sources over the course of two seasons before being replaced in 2023. When asked if Alpine should sign Schumacher for the upcoming season, Steiner promptly declined. It should be noted that Mick Schumacher currently competes for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship.
According to Guenther Steiner, a works team like Alpine should strive to secure the most talented driver available on the grid. The former Haas boss possibly alluded to drivers such as [driver names] who have yet to secure seats for the 2025 season despite having won races.
In 2023, Alpine brought in [driver name] to partner with Esteban Ocon after [another driver name] decided to join Aston Martin. The all-French driver lineup seemed ideal for a French team. However, Gasly and Ocon have a complicated relationship that dates back to their karting days.
Guenther Steiner suggested that either of the two drivers should have acknowledged their reluctance to race alongside each other. The Italian-American emphasized the history between their families and stated that Alpine should never have signed both drivers together in the first place.
Reportedly, Alpine will replace Esteban Ocon for the next season. There were speculations that Ocon might be dismissed before the Canadian Grand Prix. However, following the 27-year-old’s public apology, it appears that the French team is prepared to continue the season with its current driver lineup.