Alpine has confirmed that Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne has joined its young driver programme. The 20-year-old Irish racer, who previously participated in Formula 1 practice sessions for McLaren, will compete for Rodin Motorsport with Alpine's livery starting this weekend in Australia.
Alex Dunne, a 20-year-old Irish driver, has been added to the Alpine Academy following his departure from McLaren's Driver Development Programme in October 2025. Dunne will enter his second season in the Formula 2 Championship with Rodin Motorsport, aiming for the drivers' title after a strong rookie year.
In his 2025 F2 debut, Dunne secured two wins, two pole positions, and eight podium finishes, ending fifth in the standings. He also gained Formula 1 experience through two Free Practice 1 sessions for McLaren at the Austrian and Italian Grands Prix. His performance in Spielberg stood out, where he recorded the fourth-fastest time.
Dunne expressed enthusiasm about the move: “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.”
Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore commented: “We are pleased to welcome Alex to Alpine as a member of our Academy. His performances in FIA Formula 2 and also his Free Practice sessions in Formula 1 last year were impressive and he is clearly a very talented young driver with pure, natural speed. We have a talented pool of drivers in Formula 2 with Gabriele Mini and Kush Maini. We look forward to watching the three of them compete in FIA Formula 2 in 2026 where the goal is very clear: to win the Drivers' Championship.”
The 2026 Formula 2 season opens in Australia this weekend, where Dunne will debut under the Alpine banner.
