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Alex Dunne joins Alpine Academy after dramatic McLaren split and Red Bull controversy

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
March 4, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Alex Dunne joins Alpine Academy after dramatic McLaren split and Red Bull controversy

Alex Dunne Makes Waves: From McLaren to the Alpine Academy – A New Era Begins!

In a dramatic twist that has shaken the motorsport community, former McLaren junior driver Alex Dunne has officially signed with the Alpine Academy after a tumultuous split from the Woking-based team. This move marks a pivotal moment in Dunne's burgeoning career as he gears up for his second Formula 2 season in Melbourne, donning the iconic Alpine colors for the first time.

Dunne's transition to Alpine comes after extensive negotiations with the Enstone squad, a journey fueled by a desire for better opportunities following a rocky relationship with McLaren. After parting ways with the McLaren Driver Development Programme, Dunne's path seemed uncertain, but his undeniable talent caught the eye of Alpine's Flavio Briatore. Now, he joins a formidable trio at the top of Alpine's junior program, alongside fellow racers Kush Maini and Gabriele Mini.

Reflecting on his challenging yet rewarding 2025 season, which saw him make history as the first Irish winner in Formula 2 at Bahrain, Dunne is determined to seize this new chapter. He finished fifth in the championship despite facing a barrage of operational errors and technical disqualifications. With six podium finishes under his belt, Dunne has showcased his potential, and he's ready to chase the elusive Drivers' Championship this year.

Dunne's journey has not been without its complications. Following a couple of practice sessions in Formula 1, he was left with no suitable seat at McLaren, which proposed an unexpected move to IndyCar—a direction Dunne was not keen on. This led to an amicable split ahead of the Singapore GP, setting the stage for his signing with Red Bull. However, that deal was short-lived. The sudden move by Red Bull's advisor Helmut Marko, executed without proper authorization, resulted in a swift cancellation of the contract, with Dunne receiving a hefty compensation of $600,000.

With his future back on the open market, Dunne's exceptional skill caught the attention of Alpine, culminating in a deal that has now been finalized. Expressing his enthusiasm, Dunne stated, “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.”

Briatore echoed this sentiment, lauding Dunne's impressive performances in F2 and his promising potential. “We are pleased to welcome Alex to Alpine as a member of our Academy. His natural speed is evident, and we are excited to see him compete in FIA Formula 2.”

However, it’s not all smooth sailing for Dunne. His quest for an FIA Super Licence has proven to be a significant hurdle, as he currently lacks the required 40 points. A successful campaign in 2026 could see him accumulate enough points for a full Super Licence, placing him in contention for a reserve driver role or even a race seat if opportunities arise. With 29 points currently to his name, Dunne must finish in the top five in F2 this year to secure his future in Formula 1.

As the countdown to the new season begins, all eyes will be on Dunne as he takes to the track in Melbourne, ready to make his mark in the world of motorsport. The stage is set for an exhilarating season, and Dunne is poised to prove that he is a force to be reckoned with in the Alpine Academy and beyond!

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2019-red-bull-crandon-world-cup2025-26-fis-alpine-ski-world-cup2025-fia-formula-2-championship2025-mclaren-f1-championshipalex-dunnegabriele-miniKush Maini
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