Irish FIA Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne was announced to be joining the Alpine Academy today ahead of the 2026 Formula 2 season. The deal was anticipated after Dunne was spotted driving with an Alpine livery during pre-season testing in Catalunya.
The announcement comes after Dunne completed two Formula 1 Free Practice sessions last year with McLaren, securing the fourth fastest time of the session in Spielberg. The impressive performance from the 20-year-old caught the attention of teams up and down the grid.
After briefly being linked with the Red Bull Academy, Dunne was back on the market for Formula 1 teams, and it wasn’t long before negotiations began.
Whilst he returns to Formula 2 with Rodin Motorsport for a second year, he will be trading in the papaya McLaren livery for the familiar pink of Alpine.
Securing two wins and two pole positions in his debut campaign, Dunne will now look to secure the 2026 Drivers’ Championship title. Due to not having the required points for a full FIA Super Licence, Dunne was unable to fill the 2026 Alpine reserve driver role.
Speaking on the role in Alpine’s press release, Dunne said, “I am really happy to be joining the Alpine Academy and making this next step in my racing career.
“I am very grateful for the trust the team has in me to represent the team and the brand on the global stage in FIA Formula 2, which has proven to be the perfect place to progress young drivers into professional racing roles.
“Naturally, after a competitive season in 2025, the goal this year is to fight for the Drivers’ Championship. Last year was a great experience on many fronts. Lots learned, lots gained, some challenges along the way, but everything has made me a better driver, a better person, and I aim to give my all for Alpine and doing my best as an Alpine Academy driver.
“It would be great to reward the team for their faith with wins and podiums and I am excited to work together with everyone in this next chapter of my career.”
Finishing in the top five at the end of the 2026 season would accumulate the points needed and bring him into contention for this. Doing so would open up the potential for a race seat should Pierre Gasly or Franco Colapinto look at moving elsewhere.
The title fight will begin out in Melbourne when the drivers line up for the opening weekend. Dunne will be looking to impress from the first session, and with a strong track record throughout his junior career, the title could be well within his reach.
Eyes will be on Dunne when Formula 2 returns this weekend in Melbourne, Australia. The weekend will begin with Free Practice at 11pm GMT on Friday night.
Image: Formula Motorsport Limited via Getty Images
