SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 4, 2024 – Following a strong debut season in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with their Hypercar A424, Alpine Endurance Team is thrilled to announce their driver lineup for the 2025 season. The team, which secured fourth place in the Manufacturers Championship in 2024, is retaining a core group of talented drivers while also welcoming a seasoned veteran to the fold.
Returning Drivers Bring Experience and Momentum
Alpine Endurance Team is keeping their faith in four key drivers from the 2024 season:
- Charles Milesi: The young French driver made a significant impact in his first season with the team, consistently demonstrating his speed and potential. He is eager to build on this momentum and contribute to the team's success in 2025.
"I'm thrilled to continue the adventure with Alpine. We all hope this new campaign will continue the positive things we saw in the second half of our 2024 season. The aim will be to improve everything we can on the car to extract even more performance from it in all areas and continue to work relentlessly on reliability to be at the front of the field more consistently."
- Paul-Loup Chatin: With a proven track record in endurance racing, Chatin played a crucial role in securing Alpine's fourth-place finish in the 2024 championship. His experience and racecraft will be invaluable as the team aims to climb higher in the standings.
"I want to thank Alpine for their continued confidence in 2025. I'm already looking forward to the calendar's first race to see where we stand with all the experience gained in 2024. We've had a year of learning in which we perfected and improved our car throughout the season. We hope our efforts will bear fruit, and Qatar will be the first litmus test."
- Ferdinand Habsburg: Despite missing two races due to injury, Habsburg showcased his talent and dedication throughout the 2024 season. His strong team spirit and determination make him a vital asset to Alpine.
"It's exciting to be back with the iconic Alpine brand as they continue their return to the pinnacle of endurance racing - a place in motorsport where they truly belong. Our first season with Alpine was about building relationships and trust between the drivers, mechanics, and engineers. Establishing that connection was key, and I believe that if we continue to strengthen those bonds, we'll become an even greater force to be reckoned with. The car itself is inherently strong, and now it's about ensuring the team continues to gel and work together like a family, just as we've been doing in 2024. If we keep that momentum, I'm confident we can achieve even more in the future."
- Mick Schumacher: In his first foray into endurance racing, Schumacher quickly adapted to the demands of the sport and the A424 Hypercar. He is poised to make further strides in his second season with Alpine.
"I am delighted that I will continue to be part of the Alpine Endurance adventure. We had a great first year together, and I am determined to help ensure that the performance of the program is even better in the second year. We have defined a few points where we want to attack, so I'm really looking forward to my second endurance season.”
Jules Gounon Steps Up to a Full-Time Role
After serving as a reserve driver in 2024, Jules Gounon will take on a full-time racing seat for the 2025 season. Gounon, a highly accomplished GT driver, gained valuable experience in the A424 during his four races last season and is ready to contribute consistently to the team's efforts.
"I'm going into this season in a very positive frame of mind. It will be my first full FIA World Endurance Championship campaign with Alpine Endurance Team, having been a reserve driver in 2024. I was able to contest four races, but I'm genuinely happy to become a full-time driver thanks to Alpine's confidence. It's a close-knit team. There is close collaboration among everyone and excellent understanding between all the drivers, which allows the whole team to work well and move forward together."
Frédéric Makowiecki Joins the Team
Alpine Endurance Team is delighted to welcome Frédéric Makowiecki, a highly respected and experienced endurance racing driver. Makowiecki brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team, having competed at the highest levels of motorsport for many years. His technical understanding and racecraft will be instrumental in pushing the A424's development and performance.
"I am extremely proud as a French driver. It's something special to represent a French manufacturer in the FIA World Endurance Championship with the possibility of aiming for an overall victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, especially as Alpine has a vibrant motorsport history. I truly liked the team's approach and development. Alpine improved and excelled in its first season against very tough competition. I'm joining humbly, but I want to contribute to the team significantly. Doing everything better than everyone else will be crucial if we are to get over the final hurdles, and I'm already looking forward to Qatar!"
A Team Primed for Success
Alpine Endurance Team has assembled a formidable lineup of drivers, each bringing their unique strengths and experience to the table. The team is confident that this combination of talent, dedication, and teamwork will enable them to compete at the front of the field and achieve their goals in the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship.
Keywords: Alpine Endurance Team, FIA World Endurance Championship, WEC, Hypercar, A424, Charles Milesi, Paul-Loup Chatin, Ferdinand Habsburg, Mick Schumacher, Jules Gounon, Frédéric Makowiecki, motorsport, endurance racing
Meta Description: Alpine Endurance Team announces a powerful driver lineup for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship, featuring a mix of returning talent and a seasoned veteran.