The French team is reorganizing its structure for 2026 and is adding an F2 prospect
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Alpine is entering the final stretch of its preparation for the next Formula 1 season, with major changes both on the technical and sporting fronts. While it is working on the development of the single-seater that will debut a Mercedes engine to replace Renault, the French team is also adjusting its driver line-up.
In that context, in the last few hours the departure of Jack Doohan was confirmed. He had lost his place as a starter last year when Franco Colapinto replaced him starting from the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. The termination of the Australian's contract, together with the contractual situation of Paul Aron, the current reserve driver whose deal ends at the end of the year, forced the Enstone-based team to make a quick decision.
Thus, Alpine opted to sign Alex Dunne, the 20-year-old Irishman who is emerging as one of the great Formula 2 prospects after finishing fifth in the 2025 season. The young driver, who was also on Red Bull's radar, will arrive as a long-term investment within the French team's structure.
Alex Dunne es nuevo piloto de reserva de Alpine
Dunne will join Alpine's young talent program alongside Indian driver Kush Maini and Italian driver Gabriele Minì, while he will continue competing in F2 to keep adding mileage and experience at the highest level.
Colapinto's first day in the simulator
Meanwhile, the Argentine driver resumed his preparation work at the Enstone headquarters. On his Instagram account, the driver from Pilar posted a photo showing the French team's official simulator, accompanied by the message "Day 1!!! Let's go!".
El posteo de Colapinto en Instagram
It should be clarified that Colapinto won't be part of the shakedown of the brand-new A526, an event whose exact date is still unknown, although it will take place at some point between January 26 and 30.
This stage allows the teams to test the essential functions of the cars in private before the official preseason sessions, which this year will take place in Bahrain and will be divided into two segments: from February 11 to 13 and from 18 to 20 of the same month.
