Mick Schumacher engaged in a game of poker?

Mick Schumacher, the son of the legendary seven-time Formula One (F1) champion Michael Schumacher, has seen a change in his motorsport plans for the upcoming season.

Initially, Schumacher was set to join Cadillac in top-level motorsport, aiming to make a mark in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) through their WEC program. However, the young driver has decided to turn down Cadillac's offer, along with an offer from Jota, the reasons for which remain speculative.

Schumacher's plans for a role as the second man next to Pierre Gasly at Alpine in Formula 1 will not come to fruition either. Instead, António Félix da Costa has been signed by Alpine as Schumacher's successor in the WEC.

Schumacher's decision not to extend his contract with Alpine for another year in the prestigious WEC, and his reported consideration but non-securing of a main driver position for 2027, have left his future in Formula 1 uncertain.

McLaren's entry into the World Endurance Championship in 2027 with a hypercar built according to the LMDh concept could be a distant option for Schumacher, implying a potential year without racing. There is an interest on both sides for a collaboration between Schumacher and McLaren in the WEC, but no official agreement has been made as of yet.

Schumacher had aimed to secure a seat as a reserve driver for the American F1 team, but that opportunity also seems to have eluded him. Instead, he had planned to draw attention to himself through Cadillac's WEC program in the World Endurance Championship.

However, Cadillac opted for the experienced duo of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, declining Schumacher's services. Schumacher's two participations at the classic, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, have not yielded any major successes, with only three third places in 13 races with the French team to his credit.

Flavio Briatore, Alpine's chief restorer, is not satisfied with the performance of Franco Colapinto and Jack Doohan, which could potentially lead to Schumacher's replacement at the end of the season. Schumacher, however, is aiming for the second Alpine cockpit in Formula 1, but is not considered a suitable candidate for the position as of now.

Despite the setbacks, Schumacher continues to search for opportunities in the highest echelons of motorsport, with his future plans yet to be finalised.