Alpine Racing Shakes Up Lineup: Formula E Champion António Félix da Costa Joins Amid Mick Schumacher’s Future Turmoil
In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, Alpine Racing has secured the signing of renowned Formula E champion António Félix da Costa as they scramble to regain their competitive edge in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). After a promising start to the 2025 season, the French squad has faced a disheartening decline, finishing ninth at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours and São Paulo 6 Hours. But with da Costa’s arrival, Alpine is determined to rewrite their narrative.
The team initially placed its bets on an eclectic mix of drivers, including Paul-Loup Chatin, Charles Milesi, Ferdinand Habsburg, Matthieu Vaxiviere, Mick Schumacher, and Nicolas Lapierre for the first season with their new A424 car. However, the departure of Lapierre to a sporting director role and Vaxiviere’s demotion to reserve driver left Alpine vulnerable and in search of reinforcements. The urgency intensified when it became apparent that Schumacher was likely to leave for Cadillac, opening the door for a strategic pivot.
Enter António Félix da Costa, a driver whose frustration over restrictions preventing him from participating in WEC races while juggling his Formula E commitments has been no secret. The 34-year-old Portuguese driver, well-versed in endurance racing with seven Le Mans starts under his belt and a triumphant LMP2 victory in 2022, is expected to be a game changer for Alpine. His impressive track record includes a WEC title in 2022, showcasing his ability to shine when it matters most.
While Team Jota could have been a suitable landing spot for da Costa, the seat was initially earmarked for Schumacher, creating a tangled web of possibilities. With Schumacher’s recent indecision throwing a wrench into the works, Alpine’s plans took an unexpected turn. As rumors swirl about Schumacher potentially eyeing a move to IndyCar or even a Hypercar program with McLaren, Alpine is left in a precarious position.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Schumacher’s future, da Costa’s move to Alpine is confirmed, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a reputation as a charismatic team player. His sharp development skills and natural speed make him an ideal candidate to bolster Alpine’s performance as they look towards an ambitious 2026 season.
As Alpine grapples with the potential fallout of Schumacher’s choices, one thing is clear: they are committed to making space for him should he decide to stay, even if it means disrupting the current lineup. The stakes are high, and the drama surrounding Alpine Racing continues to unfold, captivating motorsport fans around the world.
With all eyes on this evolving saga, the question remains: can Alpine harness da Costa’s talent to reclaim their position as a formidable force in endurance racing, or will the turmoil surrounding Schumacher overshadow their efforts? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Alpine Racing is not backing down without a fight.
