Alpine will test four potential Formula 1 drivers at the Hungaroring in the days leading up to the Singapore Grand Prix, according to RacingNews365.com.
The test is part of the ongoing in-season programme employing a 2021 Alpine A521, which was initially intended for Oscar Piastri before he rebuffed the offer of a race seat, instead electing to drive for McLaren in 2023 after Alpine messed up his contract.
Although an Alpine spokeswoman confirmed the test will take place, no particular dates or driver lineups were provided.
However, it is known that the test will take place before the Singapore Grand Prix and that up to four drivers, including Nyck de Vries, Jack Doohan, Colton Herta, and Mick Schumacher, would participate.
Although Sebastian Vettel is thought to have discussed a 2023 drive with Alpine, it has since been revealed that he will not test in Hungary.
Nico Hulkenberg has been linked to the test, although sources say this is inaccurate.
De Vries made an impression on his formula1 racing debut this weekend for Williams, finishing ninth after filling in for regular Alex Albon, who was out with appendicitis.
Doohan is a possibility for a 2024 race seat, but if Alpine wants to promote him now, why not for ’23 – as the Formula 2 racer continues to do well this season?
Schumacher, meanwhile, is scheduled to leave Haas at the end of the season after a two-year stint.
His chances of remaining on the grid in a race seat are exceedingly slim, with the Alpine vacancy his best bet.
Vettel is out
The timing was ideal for Vettel, given that Alpine had recently lost their star driver, Fernando Alonso, as well as future possibility Piastri.
After suffering the double blow of losing Alonso and Piastri, particularly in the manner in which Alpine did the latter, it need a big name signing to save its blushes, which four-time World Champion Vettel could have provided if he been lured out of retirement.
Despite having announced his retirement after opening his Instagram account earlier this year, Vettel claimed in Monza that he will “see how I feel like” if he decides to explore alternative offers to stay in F1.
“Time will tell what you know, [if there] will be something that is possible to do if there is an offer of any such nature or not,” Vettel told media.
“Then I will I will see how I feel like at the moment. I’m quite happy to spend more time on other things and look forward to seeing the kids more and stuff like that.
“Time will tell whether I get bored within three months or three years or I don’t know.”
