News summary
- Opel approached Mick Schumacher about joining its Formula E project before signing Mitch Evans and Théo Pourchaire for the Gen4 era.
- Schumacher chose to remain focused on IndyCar, where he currently races for RLL, and did not continue discussions with Opel.
- Opel has already begun private Gen4 testing with Evans, with the Stellantis-powered car scheduled for homologation in October ahead of its December debut.
With its Formula E debut set for next season, which is scheduled to begin in December, Opel held talks with a former Formula 1 driver before completing its lineup with Mitch Evans and Théo Pourchaire. Initially looking for a German driver to represent the brand, the team sought information about Mick Schumacher, who currently competes for Rahal Letterman Lanigan in IndyCar.
According to Formula E Notebook, however, the discussions between Schumacher and Opel were brief. Interested in remaining in IndyCar after his Formula 1 opportunities had run out, Mick decided not to pursue the talks, which took place before Opel officially unveiled its Gen4 car.
The idea of having a German driver had been under consideration at Opel for some time. Tim Tramnitz was also considered for the seat, but a private Gen4 test involving Pourchaire convinced the team that the Frenchman was the stronger option. Tramnitz subsequently reached an agreement with BMW to become a factory driver.
Schumacher, meanwhile, remains focused on IndyCar but could still change teams for the 2027 season. After one year with RLL, the German is reportedly close to moving to Meyer Shank Racing next season as he continues his career in the American championship.
Opel, for its part, is continuing its preparations for the Gen4 era. The manufacturer has already conducted private tests in Andalusia and Guadix, Spain, and Evans is expected to continue driving the Stellantis-powered single-seater throughout September before the car undergoes official homologation in October.
The project will then move toward its competitive debut in December, when the 2026-27 Formula E season is scheduled to begin in Jeddah. The arrival of Opel will be one of the notable changes brought by the new Gen4 regulations, which are set to introduce a significant step in performance and efficiency for the electric championship.
Mick Schumacher’s Formula E opportunity ultimately never materialized, but the German remains active in top-level motorsport through IndyCar. His decision to stay in the United States reflects his current priority of building a career outside Formula 1, where his chances of returning to the grid have diminished.
FAQ
1. Did Opel offer Mick Schumacher a Formula E seat?
Opel held discussions with Schumacher as it searched for a German driver for its Gen4 project, but the talks did not develop into a deal.
2. Why did Mick Schumacher reject Opel’s Formula E project?
Schumacher was focused on continuing his IndyCar career after his Formula 1 opportunities had run out. He therefore chose not to continue discussions with Opel.
3. Who will drive for Opel in Formula E?
Mitch Evans and Théo Pourchaire will form Opel’s driver lineup for its Formula E debut in the Gen4 era. The team is currently conducting private testing ahead of homologation and the start of the new season.
