Alpine Secures Irish Talent: Alex Dunne Joins Elite Academy Programme

Alpine has bolstered its driver development pathway by bringing Irish Formula 2 competitor Alex Dunne into its prestigious academy system. The promising talent will form part of the French manufacturer's young driver initiative as the 2026 season approaches.

Alpine has announced the signing of Irish Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne to its renowned young driver academy ahead of the 2026 season. The addition represents another significant recruitment to the Enstone-based team's talent pipeline, as Alpine continues to invest in identifying and nurturing the next generation of Formula 1 prospects.

Dunne's entry into Alpine's developmental programme marks an important milestone in his racing career, providing the Irish driver with access to world-class resources and mentorship within one of Formula 1's established organizations. The academy placement positions him alongside other prospects within Alpine's structured pathway towards potential future grand prix opportunities.

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Art. D5.1.2

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Financial Regulations

Article D5.1.2

FIA Source

Excluded Costs Categories

Chapter: D

In Simple Terms

The F1 budget cap has a long list of expenses that don't count toward the spending limit. Teams can spend money on marketing, driver academies, heritage activities, power unit support, customer team assistance, FIA projects, standard parts, HR, finance, legal, sustainability, health & safety, and catering without it affecting their budget cap total.

Marketing, academy programs, and heritage activities are completely excluded from budget cap calculations
Support costs for power units, customer teams, and FIA projects don't count against the budget
Internal functions like HR, finance, legal, and health & safety spending are exempt
Sustainability initiatives and catering provision are also excluded from the cost cap

Official FIA Text

If a cost within Total Costs of the Reporting Group is Directly Attributable to Marketing Activities, Academy Program Activities, Heritage Asset Activities, Activities To Enable The Supply Of Power Units, Customer Teams Support Activities, FIA Project activities, Standard Supply Component supply, Human Resources Activities, Finance Activities, Legal Activities, Sustainability Initiative Costs, Health and Safety Costs, or catering provision, such cost shall be an Excluded Cost.

budget capexcluded costsmarketing activitiesacademy programpower unit supply

2026 Season Regulations