The 2026 Formula 2 season is set to be hugely consequential, with the likes of Alex Dunne and Colton Herta fighting for their F1 futures.
Herta makes the switch from IndyCar as he looks to obtain enough super license points to drive in F1. Meanwhile, Dunne enters the most crucial season of his open-wheel career. His decision to leave McLaren towards the end of last season was seen as a risk by many, even more so after not receiving a Red Bull contract – news that came amidst many conflicting reports.
The Irishman will need an impressive year if he wants to keep his Formula 1 dream alive. He will be looking to make a name for himself and attract potential new suitors.
Dunne in contract talks
Dunne will race for Rodin Motorsport in 2026, as he did in 2025 as part of the McLaren driver programme. His departure from the papaya squad means Dunne won’t rack up the same number of hours in F1 machinery.
“For me, there’s a goal and a plan in place and that’s to be a Formula 1 driver,” Dunne told Irish outlet Balls.ie.
“From the options that I knew I had, the decision we made was one that had to be made to be in F1. I think it’s as simple as that. It was actually my decision. When my dad and I were talking about it, he wasn’t 100 per cent sure. Normally, he’s the one who is 100 per cent sure!”
Dunne continued: “For me, I felt like it was the right decision. I’m more than comfortable with that. I think, moving forward, we should be in an alright place.”
While the McLaren story has ended, a new book could be set to be written, as reports have indicated Dunne is in talks with Alpine. After letting Jack Doohan leave, Alpine have just Paul Aron as reserve for Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto.
Did Dunne make the right choice?
Alex Dunne’s greatest chance of making F1 is through a driver academy, and he was unlikely to get that opportunity at McLaren with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri present.
Therefore, while a blow in the short-term, leaving McLaren makes sense for Dunne.
Red Bull would have been an excellent opportunity for the Irish driver – and were likely the main factor behind leaving McLaren. Their second team, VCARB, could have been a real option in 2027. Arvid Lindblad has replaced Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls, with the Frenchman promoted to the senior Red Bull in place of Yuki Tsunoda.
Liam Lawson is unlikely to stay past 2027 if Red Bull believe he can’t return to the first team, meaning a seat would’ve been open for Dunne. But unfortunately for Dunne, it seems that door has closed.
The third, and now only real option for Dunne, appears to be Alpine. The French team are known for their cutthroat nature, especially since the return of Flavio Briatore.
Paul Aron will be considered ahead of Dunne, but that could see the Irishman promoted to reserve driver. Gabriele Mini and Kush Maini are also in the Alpine driver academy, but their experience in F1 material is very little compared to Dunne’s.
Dunne’s time at McLaren
Dunne completed test sessions for McLaren at Zandvoort and the Circuit of the Americas. The Irishman has also taken part in two Formula 1 practice sessions. In his first, Dunne finished in fourth place, just one tenth behind Oscar Piastri.
The value of his practice session in Spielberg went beyond headline lap times. Dunne also completed 29 laps in the MCL39. Lando Norris would go on to win the race later that weekend. Dunne’s feedback in free practice, therefore, played a crucial role.
“I think we have to acknowledge that he [Dunne] has gone through quite an extensive plan of testing with some new parts, with some rake work, some adjustments on the steering wheel that we don’t see on TV but definitely keeps the drivers very busy,” said McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella.
“Alex has been quite diligent and impressive. Then he also had the chance to show some speed and no surprise, he’s a fast driver.
“I think we need to be a bit careful looking at the lap times. Because his time came later on in the stint when the fuel was down. But I think encouraging and impressive in terms of Alex himself and also I think a good session for McLaren.”
Of his own F1 debut, Dunne said: “I don’t even know where to start. Super happy, I think it’s safe to say it went pretty well.
“I think we knew going through the session that the goal wasn’t necessarily for performance. It was more to help out with the car, help Lando [Norris] and just help the team improve as much as they can for FP2, FP3 and then onwards into the weekend.
“So to have the pace that I had and show what I’m capable of on the F1 stage is something pretty special. So massive thank you to McLaren and everyone for the opportunity. I’m extremely grateful.”
Dunne remains “grateful” for his time at McLaren: “Although I’m not still with them now, I’ll always thank McLaren for that opportunity and for what they did for me up until we decided to go our separate ways.”
Could Dunne succeed at Alpine?
As questions about next season go, this is quite a tough one. There are so many unknowns with the new F1 regulations, but Alex Dunne’s future adds a new layer to everything Alpine-themed.
For the first time, Alpine will drive without their own engine in 2026. The Enstone team have now made the switch to Mercedes power units. Several reports have indicated that Mercedes’ PU could be the best on the grid. Alpine have been let down by their engine for many years now, but could that era now be over?
Though nothing is certain, early indications of the Mercedes engine are encouraging.
If so, it leaves no room for error from their drivers. Briatore will be desperate to take Alpine back to the top, as he did in the 2000s with Fernando Alonso under the Renault name. Franco Colapinto will not be awarded the same affordances he was last season. He must match Gasly from the off or face immense pressure to keep his seat.
No, his position is not the same as Doohan’s last season. Still, there are similarities between the situations.
Paul Aron has impressed in junior formulas, but Dunne’s more recent success will keep him in the mind of Alpine’s higher-ups, which could help get an edge over the Estonian.
Ultimately, there are still a lot of what-ifs. Then again, Formula 1 is all about what-ifs. What if this could finally be Ireland’s return to Formula 1?
Main photo: Simon Galloway/LAT Images (McLaren Racing Media Centre)