Alex Dunne Joins Alpine Academy Ahead of Second FIA Formula 2 Season

Alpine has confirmed that rising Irish talent Alex Dunne has joined the Alpine Academy as he prepares for his second season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Rodin Motorsport.

The 20‑year‑old from Clonbullogue becomes a full member of the team’s young driver programme, which is designed to develop promising racers into future professional motorsport contenders.

Dunne will compete in Alpine colours throughout the 2026 Formula 2 campaign, beginning with the season‑opening round in Australia, held alongside the Formula One Grand Prix in March. His addition strengthens Alpine’s already competitive junior roster and reflects the team’s confidence in his long‑term potential.

Dunne’s career began in karting in Ireland before he quickly progressed onto the European and World stage, winning the 2019 WSK Champions Cup in the OK‑J category.

His transition to single‑seaters was equally impressive. In 2022, he claimed the F4 British Championship with 11 victories and finished runner‑up in the Italian F4 Championship. He continued his momentum with a second‑place finish in the 2023 GB3 Championship, followed by a debut season in FIA Formula 3 in 2024.

In 2025, Dunne stepped up to FIA Formula 2, where he delivered a standout rookie campaign. He secured two wins, two pole positions, and eight podiums, finishing fifth in the Championship. His performances earned him the opportunity to sample Formula One machinery for the first time, taking part in two Free Practice 1 sessions with reigning world champions McLaren.

Reflecting on his new role, Dunne expressed pride and determination as he joins one of Formula 1’s established driver development programmes.

“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.”

He added that his goal for 2026 is clear: “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… everything has made me a better driver, a better person, and I aim to give my all for Alpine.”

Dunne also emphasised his desire to repay the team’s faith with strong results: “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 Team Principal Flavio Briatore welcomed Dunne to the programme, praising both his speed and his development trajectory.

“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 One last year were impressive and he is clearly a very talented young driver with pure, natural speed.”

Briatore highlighted that Dunne joins an already strong Alpine Academy presence in Formula 2: “We have a talented pool of drivers in Formula 2 with Gabriele Minì 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.”