Dunne lands Alpine academy lifeline after McLaren exit
Irish racing driver Alex Dunne is set to begin a new chapter in his career after joining the Alpine Academy ahead of the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season.
The move comes after McLaren ended its association with the young driver at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign. According to reporting by James Phillips, Alpine confirmed Dunne’s addition to its development programme shortly before the opening round of the Formula 2 season in Australia.
The Irish driver will continue racing in Formula 2 with Rodin Motorsport, now carrying Alpine colours as part of the French team’s junior pipeline.
Alpine adds Dunne to academy roster
Alpine announced Dunne’s inclusion in its academy as it prepares its next generation of drivers for potential roles in Formula 1.
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The team already supports several young talents competing in Formula 2, including Gabriele Mini and Kush Maini, and Dunne now joins that group as part of Alpine’s long term development structure.
According to the report by James Phillips, Alpine executives were particularly encouraged by Dunne’s performances in Formula 2 last season as well as his appearances during Formula 1 Free Practice sessions.
Mixed fortunes during the 2025 season
Dunne competed in Formula 2 during the 2025 season with the championship winning outfit and achieved a highlight victory in the Bahrain Sprint Race.
The season also included setbacks. During the Monaco round, Dunne was involved in a major seven car crash that became one of the most dramatic incidents of the weekend. The aftermath saw the driver receive significant online abuse, highlighting the intense scrutiny young racers often face in junior categories.
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Despite those difficulties, the season helped Dunne gain valuable experience as he continued developing his reputation within the Formula 1 ladder.
Uncertainty after McLaren departure
Alongside his Formula 2 campaign, Dunne also served as a Reserve Driver for McLaren in Formula E during the 2025 season.
However, McLaren chose not to retain the Irish driver at the end of the year, leaving questions about where he would continue his development.
According to the original report by James Phillips, Alpine’s academy programme ultimately provided the next opportunity, giving Dunne a pathway that could eventually lead to Formula 1.
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Dunne targets Formula 2 title with Alpine backing
Speaking in a statement released by Alpine, Dunne expressed his excitement about joining the programme and outlined his ambitions for the upcoming season.
“I am really happy to be joining the Alpine Academy and making this next step in my racing career,” Dunne 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.”
“Naturally, after a competitive season in 2025, the goal this year is to fight for the Drivers’ Championship.”
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“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 outlines clear championship ambition
Flavio Briatore, Alpine Executive Advisor, also welcomed Dunne into the academy and pointed to the driver’s performances across Formula 2 and Formula 1 practice sessions as key factors behind the decision.
“We are pleased to welcome Alex to Alpine as a member of our Academy,” Briatore said.
“His performances in FIA Formula 2 and also his Free Practice sessions in Formula One last year were impressive and he is clearly a very talented young driver with pure, natural speed.”
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“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.”
With the new Formula 2 season beginning in Australia, Alex Dunne will start the campaign backed by Alpine’s development programme and aiming to convert last season’s experience into a genuine title challenge.
Sources: Reporting by James Phillips, team statements from Alpine.
