"I have some excellent options available." Mick Schumacher has stated that he has not yet made a decision regarding whether his racing career will continue in endurance racing or move to IndyCar, as Alpine seeks clarity on his plans for 2026. During an interview with Speed Week at the World Endurance Championship finale in Bahrain, the 26-year-old confessed: "I still need to determine what I want to do in 2026. I have choices—except for Formula 1. I have some excellent options on the table." Schumacher has spent two seasons with Alpine in the WEC but has recently completed a promising test with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in IndyCar, which has sparked speculation about a potential move to the US series. "It was a lot of fun," he remarked about the test. "The car felt like an accelerated Formula 2 car with superior tires. The atmosphere was great—the people at RLL are very skilled and approachable. I was impressed by the Americans’ enthusiasm for motorsport." "I’ve always enjoyed single-seaters, so an IndyCar season is a strong possibility. However, I’ve also settled in well at Alpine—these two years have been enjoyable. It would be ideal to have clarity and a contract by the end of the year." Nonetheless, Alpine appears to be growing impatient. Team principal Philippe Sinault was quoted by TZ Munchen: "It’s time for a decision. As you can imagine, we need clarity as soon as possible." Sinault emphasized that the French manufacturer wants to keep Schumacher in its endurance lineup. "He’s truly enjoying his time with us, you can count on that. If he wants to stay, we certainly want to continue with him." Alpine motorsport chief Bruno Famin confirmed that "no decision has been made yet regarding the 2026 driver lineup," as the team balances its WEC program with its Formula 1 obligations. Regarding F1, Schumacher admitted it still resonates with him emotionally. "Of course, Formula 1 is still on my mind," he noted. "And if an opportunity arises, I probably wouldn’t refuse. Formula 1 remains close to my heart."

"I have some excellent options available." Mick Schumacher has stated that he has not yet made a decision regarding whether his racing career will continue in endurance racing or move to IndyCar, as Alpine seeks clarity on his plans for 2026. During an interview with Speed Week at the World Endurance Championship finale in Bahrain, the 26-year-old confessed: "I still need to determine what I want to do in 2026. I have choices—except for Formula 1. I have some excellent options on the table." Schumacher has spent two seasons with Alpine in the WEC but has recently completed a promising test with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in IndyCar, which has sparked speculation about a potential move to the US series. "It was a lot of fun," he remarked about the test. "The car felt like an accelerated Formula 2 car with superior tires. The atmosphere was great—the people at RLL are very skilled and approachable. I was impressed by the Americans’ enthusiasm for motorsport." "I’ve always enjoyed single-seaters, so an IndyCar season is a strong possibility. However, I’ve also settled in well at Alpine—these two years have been enjoyable. It would be ideal to have clarity and a contract by the end of the year." Nonetheless, Alpine appears to be growing impatient. Team principal Philippe Sinault was quoted by TZ Munchen: "It’s time for a decision. As you can imagine, we need clarity as soon as possible." Sinault emphasized that the French manufacturer wants to keep Schumacher in its endurance lineup. "He’s truly enjoying his time with us, you can count on that. If he wants to stay, we certainly want to continue with him." Alpine motorsport chief Bruno Famin confirmed that "no decision has been made yet regarding the 2026 driver lineup," as the team balances its WEC program with its Formula 1 obligations. Regarding F1, Schumacher admitted it still resonates with him emotionally. "Of course, Formula 1 is still on my mind," he noted. "And if an opportunity arises, I probably wouldn’t refuse. Formula 1 remains close to my heart."

      Concerns are rising about a repeat of last year’s structural issues as Pirelli may implement a maximum tyre mileage rule for the upcoming Qatar GP. Auto Motor und Sport reports that the combination of high-speed corners, rough asphalt, and aggressive curbing continues to make the Losail circuit a "nightmare race" for the Italian tyre supplier. To prevent further incidents, Pirelli is said to be in discussions with the FIA and teams regarding a limit on the number of laps that can be completed on a set of tyres during the penultimate round of the season on November 30.

      Pirelli’s motorsport director Mario Isola explained that once the tread wears too thin, the tyre loses its protection, making it vulnerable to damage from stones or small debris. Last year, several teams disregarded the recommended 24-lap limit, causing punctures for drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz after they extended their stints. Implementing a mandatory mileage cap would ensure each car makes at least two pit stops.

      Meanwhile, team principals are cautious about calls for a mandatory two-stop rule starting in 2026. Alan Permane from Racing Bulls cautioned that enforcing strategies might "result in the opposite effect," while Andrea Stella of McLaren emphasized the need for patience given the significant regulatory changes expected in 2026. James Vowles from Williams concurred, stressing that the focus should be on "correcting tyre degradation and compound gaps first."

      The next F1 Commission meeting will also look into other proposals, which include recovering red-flag time during sprint practice sessions, slightly extending qualifying segments to alleviate traffic with 22 cars, and the contentious idea of standardizing race durations for broadcasters.

"I have some excellent options available." Mick Schumacher has stated that he has not yet made a decision regarding whether his racing career will continue in endurance racing or move to IndyCar, as Alpine seeks clarity on his plans for 2026. During an interview with Speed Week at the World Endurance Championship finale in Bahrain, the 26-year-old confessed: "I still need to determine what I want to do in 2026. I have choices—except for Formula 1. I have some excellent options on the table." Schumacher has spent two seasons with Alpine in the WEC but has recently completed a promising test with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in IndyCar, which has sparked speculation about a potential move to the US series. "It was a lot of fun," he remarked about the test. "The car felt like an accelerated Formula 2 car with superior tires. The atmosphere was great—the people at RLL are very skilled and approachable. I was impressed by the Americans’ enthusiasm for motorsport." "I’ve always enjoyed single-seaters, so an IndyCar season is a strong possibility. However, I’ve also settled in well at Alpine—these two years have been enjoyable. It would be ideal to have clarity and a contract by the end of the year." Nonetheless, Alpine appears to be growing impatient. Team principal Philippe Sinault was quoted by TZ Munchen: "It’s time for a decision. As you can imagine, we need clarity as soon as possible." Sinault emphasized that the French manufacturer wants to keep Schumacher in its endurance lineup. "He’s truly enjoying his time with us, you can count on that. If he wants to stay, we certainly want to continue with him." Alpine motorsport chief Bruno Famin confirmed that "no decision has been made yet regarding the 2026 driver lineup," as the team balances its WEC program with its Formula 1 obligations. Regarding F1, Schumacher admitted it still resonates with him emotionally. "Of course, Formula 1 is still on my mind," he noted. "And if an opportunity arises, I probably wouldn’t refuse. Formula 1 remains close to my heart."

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"I have some excellent options available." Mick Schumacher has stated that he has not yet made a decision regarding whether his racing career will continue in endurance racing or move to IndyCar, as Alpine seeks clarity on his plans for 2026. During an interview with Speed Week at the World Endurance Championship finale in Bahrain, the 26-year-old confessed: "I still need to determine what I want to do in 2026. I have choices—except for Formula 1. I have some excellent options on the table." Schumacher has spent two seasons with Alpine in the WEC but has recently completed a promising test with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in IndyCar, which has sparked speculation about a potential move to the US series. "It was a lot of fun," he remarked about the test. "The car felt like an accelerated Formula 2 car with superior tires. The atmosphere was great—the people at RLL are very skilled and approachable. I was impressed by the Americans’ enthusiasm for motorsport." "I’ve always enjoyed single-seaters, so an IndyCar season is a strong possibility. However, I’ve also settled in well at Alpine—these two years have been enjoyable. It would be ideal to have clarity and a contract by the end of the year." Nonetheless, Alpine appears to be growing impatient. Team principal Philippe Sinault was quoted by TZ Munchen: "It’s time for a decision. As you can imagine, we need clarity as soon as possible." Sinault emphasized that the French manufacturer wants to keep Schumacher in its endurance lineup. "He’s truly enjoying his time with us, you can count on that. If he wants to stay, we certainly want to continue with him." Alpine motorsport chief Bruno Famin confirmed that "no decision has been made yet regarding the 2026 driver lineup," as the team balances its WEC program with its Formula 1 obligations. Regarding F1, Schumacher admitted it still resonates with him emotionally. "Of course, Formula 1 is still on my mind," he noted. "And if an opportunity arises, I probably wouldn’t refuse. Formula 1 remains close to my heart."

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