Alpine has confirmed Alex Dunne as an Alpine Academy driver ahead of the first Formula 2 race of the season in Australia.
A former protege of McLaren, Dunne raced for the reigning champion’s F2 outfit in 2025, where he took victory in the Bahrain Sprint Race.
His year was not without challenges, as the Irishman was part of a seven-car pile-up in Monaco that saw him receive a torrent of horrific online abuse.
Serving as McLaren’s reserve driver in Formula E, he was released by McLaren at the end of 2025, his destination uncertain.
However, he has now been confirmed as an Alpine Academy driver; his Rodin adorning the Alpine colours from the first race, with the championship very much in his sights.
“I am really happy to be joining the Alpine Academy and making this next step in my racing career,” Dunne said in a statement released by Alpine.
“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 target ambitious goals for Alex Dunne?
Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore also spoke of his excitement, highlighting his Formula 1 Free Practice sessions in Austria and Monza as key reasons for his signing.
Briatore was equally as bullish in Dunne in laying out the Irishman’s goals for 2025: to win the Drivers’ Championship.
“We are pleased to welcome Alex to Alpine as a member of our Academy,” he 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.
“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.”
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