Alpine is shaking up the motorsport world with its latest powerhouse signing, Formula E champion António Félix da Costa, in a move that signals a bold strategy amid uncertainty surrounding Mick Schumacher’s future. After a promising start in the 2025 World Endurance Championship, including podium finishes at the Imola 6 Hours and Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours, Alpine found itself slipping into the shadows with disappointing ninth-place results at both the Le Mans 24 Hours and São Paulo 6 Hours. In response to this decline, Alpine is already strategizing for the 2026 season, acting swiftly to secure da Costa’s talents.
The need for reinforcements became apparent as Alpine navigated its first season with the A424. Initially, they placed their bets on a combination of drivers: Paul-Loup Chatin, Charles Milesi, Ferdinand Habsburg, Matthieu Vaxiviere, Mick Schumacher, and Nicolas Lapierre. However, the winter reshuffle saw Lapierre transition to a sporting director role, while Vaxiviere was relegated to a reserve position. In a bid to strengthen their lineup, Alpine promoted Jules Gounon to a full-time seat and brought in Frédéric Makowiecki from Porsche Penske Motorsport.
The plot thickened as rumors swirled about Schumacher’s potential departure to Cadillac, where he was expected to take a WEC seat with Team Jota, taking over from the legendary Jenson Button. This impending shift forced Alpine to scramble for a solution, leading them to da Costa, a driver who had expressed dissatisfaction with being sidelined from WEC competition due to his commitments elsewhere.
As previously reported, da Costa is poised to leave Porsche—a relationship that has soured over time—yet he will continue his Formula E journey, where he previously claimed the championship title in the 2019-20 season. His return to WEC with Alpine marks a significant chapter in his career, as he looks to leverage his extensive experience, including seven Le Mans starts and a notable LMP2 victory with Team Jota in 2022. His impressive track record, coupled with his reputation as a charismatic and collaborative team player, makes him an ideal asset for Alpine.
The situation surrounding Schumacher remains fluid. Initially seen as solidly on his way out, recent developments indicate he may be reconsidering his options. His sudden change of heart has sent ripples through the paddock, affecting not just Jota but also Alpine’s plans. While the French team had anticipated a seamless transition to da Costa, they now find themselves in a position to potentially retain Schumacher if he decides to stay, especially given his aspirations towards IndyCar and ongoing discussions with McLaren regarding their Hypercar program.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Schumacher, da Costa’s position at Alpine appears secure. The team is committed to integrating him into their WEC lineup, and should Schumacher ultimately decide against leaving, Alpine is prepared to make the necessary adjustments, even if it means reconfiguring their driver roster. With this strategic signing, Alpine is not just planning for the immediate future; they are laying the groundwork for a formidable comeback in the world of endurance racing, ready to reclaim their place at the forefront of the competition.
