Alpine close to signing Formula 2 talent Dunne for role in F1 team

The 20-year-old Irishman already drove with Alpine colors on his Rodin Motorsport car during the F2 test in Barcelona. According to information from GPblog, negotiations are currently underway about the precise scope of his role within the team. The agreement itself is nearing completion, but the exact responsibilities are still being discussed.

Dunne does not yet have the required forty super license points to serve as an official Formula 1 reserve driver. He finished fifth in Formula 2 last season, falling just short of a super license. A role as a development driver would in theory be possible, but nothing has been finalized on that front.

This morning, GPblog spoke with the Irish driver. He explained: "Well, I mean, at the test, I can't talk much about it because it hasn't been announced. So I'm in a bit of a funny positions, so let's cut that out of anything, but I think the decision to leave McLaren was realistic, because Lando and Oscar aren't going to go anywhere soon, and for me the goal is to be in F1."

Dunne was still part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme last year. After a strong start to the 2025 F2 campaign, he had the opportunity to complete private tests and free practice sessions during the Austrian and Italian Grands Prix. After the Azerbaijan GP, McLaren and Dunne parted ways.

In the months that followed, Dunne was linked to Red Bull Racing. GPblog reported at the time that Helmut Marko was keen to add him to the junior programme, but there was no agreement within the Austrian F1 team on taking that step. That deal therefore did not go through.