ALEX DUNNE JOINS THE ALPINE ACADEMY AND TARGETS F1 IN 2027
Alex Dunne takes an important step in his career by joining the Alpine Academy F1 Team. The young Irish driver becomes part of the French manufacturer’s development programme with a clear objective: to reach Formula 1 in the short term.
After being part of the McLaren academy, Alex Dunne decided to steer his career towards a project offering better opportunities to access the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1. Despite FP1 appearances with McLaren and a reserve driver role within the team, short and medium-term opportunities appeared limited, as he himself acknowledged given the presence of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
A key season in Formula 2
In 2026, Dunne will compete in another Formula 2 season. This campaign will be crucial for his future, both from a sporting perspective and in terms of securing the points required for a super licence. He is considered one of the favourites for the title this season, alongside promising Rafael Camara.
During this week’s F2 pre-season testing, he was already seen running an Alpine livery on his car, a sign that discussions regarding his move to the young driver programme were already well advanced. Talks between the Irishman’s camp and the French team began last December, at the end of the season.
A strategic role around F1
Alongside his F2 campaign, Alex Dunne will also take on a reserve driver role, a position held by Paul Aron last season. This role will allow him to work closely with the F1 team, spend many hours in the simulator and potentially take part in free practice sessions during Grand Prix weekends.
The objective is clear: to secure a Formula 1 seat in 2027. To achieve this, he will need to confirm his progress, fight at the front in F2 and continue adding points to his super licence tally. He is already viewed as a potential replacement for Franco Colapinto should the latter fail to convince during the 2026 season. Moreover, he is no longer the only South American driver on the radar, meaning sponsors are no longer solely focused on one profile.
A turning point in his career
This signing represents a strong and strategic decision. By joining the Alpine Academy, Dunne places himself within a pathway where the bridge to F1 is more direct. At 20 years old, the Irish driver positions himself as one of the prospects to watch in the 2026 Formula 2 season.
The 2026 campaign will therefore be decisive, with mandatory performance in F2 alongside active involvement in the F1 programme. Perhaps Alex Dunne can turn his dream into reality and reach Formula 1 as early as 2027.
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