Alpine signs former McLaren junior Alex Dunne for 2026

Alpine has signed 20‑year‑old Irish driver Alex Dunne to its Academy for the 2026 season, ending a brief two‑year stint with the McLaren junior programme. Dunne, who finished fifth in the 2025 FIA Formula 2 Championship, will race for Rodin Carlin in Alpine‑branded livery while targeting the drivers’ title. The move gives the Enstone‑based squad a proven F2 talent with prior F1 exposure.

Why it matters:

• Alpine is rebuilding its driver pipeline ahead of the 2026 regulation overhaul; adding a high‑performing F2 driver strengthens its long‑term competitiveness.
• Dunne brings two FP1 outings with the reigning champions and a solid points record, offering a blend of speed and racecraft that can accelerate his path to F1.

The details:

• McLaren stint: Dunne spent almost 18 months in the McLaren F1 Academy before leaving in 2024 to pursue other opportunities.
• 2025 F2 performance & F1 exposure: He finished 5th overall, scored multiple podiums and completed two free‑practice sessions with Mercedes‑powered McLaren during his rookie F2 year, gaining valuable seat time.
• 2026 line‑up & Academy role: Dunne will partner Martinius Stenshorne at Rodin Carlin, race in Alpine colours and represent the brand at global F2 events, with a potential test or reserve‑driver role if results merit.

What's next:

• Dunne says his goal is to fight for wins and podiums in 2026, aiming for the drivers’ championship and rewarding Alpine’s confidence.
• Alpine will monitor his progress closely; a strong season could earn him a test role with the F1 squad in 2027 or an Alpine reserve seat, reinforcing the team’s broader strategy to nurture home‑grown talent as the sport moves toward the new engine formula.