Alex Dunne Secures Alpine Academy Role After McLaren Departure
In a move that has been widely anticipated throughout the Formula 1 off-season, young Irish driver Alex Dunne has officially joined the Alpine Academy. The 20-year-old rising star, who previously participated in McLaren's driver development programme before departing in 2025, has now secured a fresh opportunity with the French team. This confirmation comes after weeks of speculation and follows clues that emerged in February, when Dunne was spotted driving a car in Alpine colours during Formula 2 pre-season testing in Catalunya.
Dunne's Impactful Stint with McLaren and Recent F2 Success
Alex Dunne made a notable impression during his time with McLaren, particularly in practice sessions at the Austrian and Italian Grands Prix last year. In his first outing at Spielberg in June, he recorded the fourth-quickest lap, demonstrating his potential on the track. By October, however, he had left the team's programme, with McLaren releasing a statement ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix wishing him well for his future career.
During the 2025 season, Dunne raced for Rodin in Formula 2, where he claimed two victories in Bahrain and Imola. He finished the campaign with eight podium appearances in total, securing fifth place in the drivers' standings. Rodin has announced that Dunne will continue with their team in 2026, though he will have a new team-mate, Martinius Stenshorne, who replaced Amaury Cordeel for the final two races of last season and is set as a longer-term successor.
Alpine's Evolving Line-up and Championship Ambitions
Alpine's Formula 1 team also underwent a mid-season switch in 2025, with Franco Colapinto replacing Jack Doohan from the seventh race onwards to partner Pierre Gasly. Colapinto and Gasly will remain team-mates in 2026 as they aim to improve their constructors standings after finishing at the bottom last year. This year's Formula 1 and Formula 2 seasons both kick off in Australia this weekend, adding significance to Dunne's timely move.
Dunne's Enthusiasm for New Alpine Role
In a statement regarding his new role, Alex Dunne expressed his happiness and gratitude. "I am really happy to be joining the Alpine Academy and making this next step in my racing career," he said. "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."
Dunne also outlined his ambitions for the upcoming season, stating, "Naturally, after a competitive season in 2025, the goal this year is to fight for the [Formula 2] 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."
This development marks a pivotal moment in Dunne's career as he transitions to a new team environment, with both Alpine and Rodin looking to leverage his talent in the competitive world of motorsport. The confirmation ahead of the Australian Grand Prix sets the stage for an exciting start to the 2026 racing season.
