Alpine has secured the talent of Alex Dunne following his separation from McLaren. Formula 1 teams continue to invest heavily in young driver programs, and Alpine has expanded its roster by signing the Irish driver, formerly part of the McLaren Academy. Dunne will compete in his second Formula 2 season with the Rodin team in 2026.
Dunne was a strong title contender throughout the previous season. The twenty-year-old competed the full year under McLaren colors before parting ways with the team toward the end of the season. McLaren subsequently focused on promoting Leonardo Fornaroli. Dunne’s talent and speed were evident in 2025, but several incidents prevented him from reaching the very top of the championship standings.
Official announcement from Alpine
Today, Alpine officially announced that Alex Dunne will join the team’s Academy. In the 2025 Formula 2 season, he secured two victories, two pole positions, and eight podium finishes overall, ultimately finishing fifth in the championship. He also had the opportunity to test a Formula 1 car during free practice sessions with McLaren.
“I am really happy to join the Alpine Academy and to take this next step in my racing career,” Dunne said. “I am very grateful for the trust the team is placing in me, which will allow me to represent Alpine on the global stage in FIA Formula 2, which has proven to be the ideal environment for developing young drivers into professional roles. Naturally, after a competitive 2025 season, this year’s goal is to fight for the Drivers’ Championship.”
His first year in Formula 2 also highlighted areas where the young driver still needs to improve. Now, his car will carry Alpine colors, and the objective is to aim for the championship after narrowly missing the chance in 2025. Performing at the highest level will be key to securing a potential future in Formula 1 with Alpine.
“Last year was an incredible learning experience in many ways. I learned a lot, gained valuable experience, and faced some challenges along the way, but all of it made me a better driver and a better person. My goal is to give my best for Alpine and as an Alpine Academy driver. It would be fantastic to reward the team’s trust with wins and podiums, and I am excited to work with everyone in this next chapter of my career,” he added.
Dunne joins Gabriele Minì in the Alpine Academy
Gabriele Minì, along with Kush Maini, is already part of Alpine’s young driver program. Both are competing in Formula 2, where they will now have a new teammate—and a direct rival. Alpine is clearly investing heavily in the development of its drivers, and Dunne’s talent makes him one to watch closely.
“We are pleased to welcome Alex to Alpine as a member of our Academy,” said Flavio Briatore. “His performances in FIA Formula 2 and during F1 free practice sessions last year were impressive, and he is clearly a young driver of great talent with natural pure speed. We already have a strong F2 lineup with Gabriele Minì and Kush Maini. We look forward to seeing them compete in FIA Formula 2 in 2026, where the objective is very clear: to win the Drivers’ Championship.”
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