Mick Schumacher’s involvement with Mercedes and Alpine in 2024 has sparked a conflict between two high-end Swiss watchmakers, who have now come to a resolution regarding the German driver.
Schumacher will be taking on dual roles in motorsport this year. He will continue as the reserve driver for Mercedes in Formula 1 for a second year, while also joining Alpine’s Hypercar program in the World Endurance Championship. Both teams have taken precautions to ensure that there are no conflicts in Schumacher’s responsibilities through specific contract clauses. However, these dual duties posed a problem for two luxury watchmakers.
Typically, Formula 1 drivers have exclusive partnerships with luxury watchmakers according to their contracts. However, Schumacher’s involvement with Mercedes and Alpine means he would be endorsing two different Swiss watchmakers. IWC Schaffhausen has been a long-time sponsor of the Silver Arrows, while Alpine has recently announced a partnership with H. Moser & Cie for the upcoming season.
Reports suggest that the two Swiss watchmakers have reached a “special agreement” for Mick Schumacher. During his reserve driver duties for Mercedes in Formula 1, the German driver will wear IWC watches. On the other hand, when racing for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship, including the prestigious 24 hours of Le Mans, Schumacher will exclusively wear watches from H. Moser & Cie.
Luxury watches hold a significant market share globally, and watchmakers invest millions of dollars each year in promoting their products in the world of motorsport. For instance, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc received a special edition watch from Richard Mille worth $3.2 million. Unfortunately, Leclerc’s unique timepiece was stolen in 2022.
Mick Schumacher spent two seasons in Formula 1 with the Haas F1 team. However, the German driver failed to achieve satisfactory results for the American team and was involved in multiple incidents that incurred significant repair costs. Consequently, Schumacher was replaced last year.
Since then, the 24-year-old has remained on the sidelines in his reserve role at Mercedes. Nevertheless, Schumacher has expressed his desire to return to the grid on a full-time basis. Lewis Hamilton’s surprising move to Ferrari could potentially create a perfect opportunity for the German driver. Mick Schumacher has admitted that he would seize such an opportunity if it presents itself.
Undoubtedly, Mick Schumacher’s stint with Alpine in 2024 could serve as a chance for him to re-establish himself as a talented driver. After two disappointing seasons with Haas, the German driver will be eager to prove his worth once again. However, his performance in the world of endurance racing this year will ultimately determine his success.
According to the Source firstsportz.com