F1’s worst kept secret confirmed as driver signs with new team days before season begins | F1 | Sport
In news which will surprise few people within Formula 1, Alex Dunne has joined the Alpine academy. Irish driver Dunne, 20, was part of McLaren’s driver development programme before leaving in 2025 and has now found a new home. Hints were dropped in February when Dunne was seen driving a car in Alpine colours during Formula 2 pre-season testing in Catalunya. Now, the move has been made official after weeks of speculation.
Dunne took part in practice sessions for McLaren at the Austrian and Italian Grands Prix last year. He caught the eye in the first of those two opportunities, setting the fourth-fastest lap in Spielberg in June. By October he was no longer part of the team’s programme. “It has been a pleasure to work with Alex over the last year and to contribute to his growth as a driver,” McLaren said in a statement ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.“We wish Alex all the best for his career going forward.”
Dunne spent the 2025 campaign driving for Rodin in Formula 2. He won two races, in Bahrain and Imola, ending the season with eight podium finishes in total as he ended up fifth in the drivers’ standings.
Rodin confirmed the Irishman would remain with their outfit in 2026, though he has gained a new team-mate since the start of last season. Norwegian driver Martinius Stenshorne joined for the final two races of 2025 and has been confirmed as the replacement for Amaury Cordeel for the upcoming campaign.
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Alpine’s F1 set-up also made a mid-season change in 2025. Franco Colapinto took over from Jack Doohan from the seventh race onwards, joining Pierre Gasly.
Colapinto and Gasly will return in 2026 as they aim to move up the constructors standings after finishing bottom of the pile last year. This year’s F1 and F2 seasons both begin in Australia this weekend.
“I am really happy to be joining the Alpine Academy and making this next step in my racing career,” Dunne said as his new role was confirmed. “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 [Formula 2] 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.”
