Alpine has finally confirmed it has appointed Formula 2 race-winner Alex Dunne to its junior driver programme.

Dunne was previously associated with McLaren and drove the team’s championship-F1 car on two occasions last year. However he parted ways with the team in October.

Reports claimed Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko offered Dunne a contract despite lacking internal approval for the hiring. Dunne never joined the team and Marko left Red Bull in December.

Dunne’s move to Alpine has long been rumoured. He appeared in the team’s colours in testing for the upcoming Formula 2 season, in which he will again drive for Rodin.

He finished fifth in the championship last year. McLaren subsequently signed champion Leonardo Fornaroli and Richard Verschoor, who finished third, to its junior driver roster.

“Naturally, after a competitive season in 2025, the goal this year is to fight for the drivers’ championship,” said Dunne. “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.”

Dunne is Alpine’s third driver in F2, joining MP’s Gabriele Mini and ART’s Kush Maini. The new F2 season begins in Melbourne this weekend.

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Keith Collantine

Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 – when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring journalist, Keith began running the site full-time in 2010, achieving a long-held ambition to dedicate his full attention to his passion for motor racing. View all posts by Keith Collantine