Rumour Mill: Dunne emerges as Alpine contender

Irish Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne is rumoured to have become a front runner to drive for Alpine in Formula 1 in 2026.

Dunne has impressed in Formula 2 since stepping up from Formula 3, and at stages has topped the standings in the series. Despite a mediocre season in a tricky F3 field in 2024, the Irish teenager has taken to F2 like a duck to water, winning twice, taking six total podiums and two pole positions for Rodin so far.

📸 A multiple race winner this season in F2.

This form has apparently caught the eye of Alpine who are rumoured to have arranged a ‘Test of Previous Car’, or ‘TPC’, for the 2022 British Formula 4 Champion to spend time with the team. It is unclear is McLaren would loan the driver or release him to Alpine on a permanent basis.

📸 Dunne completed FP1 sessions with McLaren at the Red Bull Ring and Monza (so far).

Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez were both previously linked to the French team but have signed with Cadillac, while Franco Colapinto and Jack Doohan remain options as well as rumours mentioning Yuki Tsunoda and Mick Schumacher to partner the newly re-signed Pierre Gasly.

📸 Could Tsunoda rival Dunne for a seat with Alpine?

📸 Image credits: Formula Motorsport Limited, McLaren Racing.