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Victor Martins makes thrilling return to Alpine: join WEC Hypercar programme for 2026!

James Taylor by James Taylor
January 12, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Victor Martins makes thrilling return to Alpine: join WEC Hypercar programme for 2026!

Victor Martins Makes Bold Move to Alpine’s WEC Hypercar Program – A New Era Begins!

In an electrifying turn of events, Formula 2 sensation Victor Martins has officially signed on to join Alpine’s prestigious Hypercar program in the World Endurance Championship starting in 2026! This is not just a career shift; it’s a monumental leap for the young driver who has been a part of Alpine’s driving academy for most of his formative racing years.

Martins, the 2022 Formula 3 champion, showcased his immense talent during his stint in F2, where he raced under the Alpine banner for two seasons before a brief collaboration with Williams. His time in Formula 1 culminated in a thrilling practice debut at the Spanish Grand Prix, but the allure of endurance racing has called him back to Alpine, where he will take on a pivotal role in sportscar racing.

While the exact details of which A424 LMDh prototype Martins will pilot remain under wraps, he fills a significant void left by the departures of Formula 1 star Mick Schumacher and Paul-Loup Chatin. “Joining Alpine Endurance Team in the FIA World Endurance Championship is a significant step in my career and a responsibility I take very seriously,” stated Martins, expressing his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. “Alpine is a brand with a strong racing heritage and clear ambitions at the highest level of endurance racing.”

The 24 Hours of Le Mans looms on the horizon as a thrilling opportunity for Martins. “Competing in my first 24 Hours of Le Mans with this team is a huge motivation, and I’m looking forward to working closely with everyone to push performance, build consistency and contribute to the long-term success of the programme,” he added.

Martins’ transition into the world of sportscar racing comes after a rollercoaster three-season campaign with ART in F2, where he claimed three victories and racked up an impressive 17 podium finishes. However, he fell short of surpassing his fifth-place championship finish from his rookie season. On a positive note, Martins has already familiarized himself with the Oreca-based Alpine LMDh during the Bahrain post-season test in 2024, where he clocked the third-fastest time among his rookie peers.

Philippe Sinault, team principal of Alpine, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are obviously very pleased with this collaboration, which represents a strong and exciting opportunity for the project.” He further emphasized Martins’ potential impact on the team: “Victor will bring us his natural speed, but also his experience at the highest level and his technical understanding, all of which will allow us to continue progressing collectively.”

As of now, Alpine has confirmed the addition of Antonio Felix da Costa to the #35 A424 entry, while Frederic Makowiecki returns for the #36 entry. The previous season witnessed Chatin, Ferdinand Habsburg, and Charles Milesi racing the #35 car to victory at Fuji, while Schumacher, Makowiecki, and Jules Gounon piloted the #36 car. With Chatin departing for Genesis’ new Hypercar initiative and Schumacher shifting gears to compete in IndyCar with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, the stage is set for a thrilling new chapter in Alpine’s endurance saga.

As Victor Martins prepares to embark on his new journey, the motorsport world watches with bated breath. Will he rise to the occasion and solidify his legacy in the world of endurance racing? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the future looks incredibly bright for this talented driver as he gears up for the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead!

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-24-hours-of-le-mans2025-26-fis-alpine-ski-world-cup2025-fia-world-endurance-championshipAntónio Félix da Costafrederic-makowieckiVictor Martins
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