Former MotoGP champion Mick Doohan has opened up about his unique experience with Mick Schumacher, the son of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher, while testing Alpine cars. The two motorsport icons crossed paths during a track day at Alpine, the French manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars. While both have solidified their names in different racing worlds, this unexpected encounter proved to be intriguing.
Doohan, who has long been associated with two-wheel racing, expressed his surprise at how different the dynamics were when driving a high-powered Formula 1 vehicle compared to his experience in MotoGP. He remarked that Schumacher, despite his youth, had a calm and calculated approach, resembling his father’s famous driving style. “It was strange but fascinating to be on the same track with him,” Doohan said. “You can see glimpses of Michael in his technique, which made the whole experience surreal.”
The encounter took place as part of Alpine’s promotional efforts, with Schumacher playing a key role due to his association with the Alpine F1 team. Since moving into the world of Formula 1, Schumacher has worked closely with the team, helping to develop new models and improve car performance.
For Doohan, this was not only a crossover of disciplines but also an eye-opening opportunity to witness firsthand the next generation of Schumacher talent, now carrying the torch in the world of four-wheel racing. The event highlighted how sports car manufacturers like Alpine are keen on bridging gaps between different motorsports, attracting figures like Doohan to expand the reach and appreciation of their vehicles.