Martins joins Alpine Hypercar roster

Victor Martins is set to join the FIA WEC Hypercar grid with Alpine in 2026, making the switch to endurance racing after three seasons in FIA Formula 2.

The 2022 FIA Formula 3 champion, a previous member of the Alpine Driver Academy, won't be going into the season totally blind to the world of sportscar racing, as the 24-year-old French racer previously tested the French marque's A424 LMDh prototype at the 2024 FIA WEC Rookie Test in Bahrain. During that taster, he set the fastest time of the morning session.

“Joining Alpine Endurance Team in the FIA World Endurance Championship is a significant step in my career and a responsibility I take very seriously,” said Martins.

“Alpine is a brand with a strong racing heritage and clear ambitions at the highest level of endurance racing. Competing in my first 24 Hours of Le Mans with this team is a huge motivation, and I’m looking forward to working closely with everyone to push performance, build consistency and contribute to the long-term success of the program.”

Martins is the team's second new signing for 2026 after António Félix Da Costa was previously confirmed to return to the WEC full-time, and the third driver officially named by the team for the year. (Frédéric Makowiecki was also previously listed on the first provisional WEC entry list for the season.) The team has not announced which of its two cars, No. 35 or No. 36, Martins will race in 2026.

IndyCar-bound Mick Schumacher and Genesis signing Paul-Loup Chatin, meanwhile, have both exited the French marque’s roster, as part of what is set to be a significant overhaul of Alpine’s Hypercar lineup.

Philippe Sinault, Alpine Team Principal, commented: “We are obviously very pleased with this collaboration, which represents a strong and exciting opportunity for the project. Victor will bring us his natural speed, but also his experience at the highest level and his technical understanding, all of which will allow us to continue progressing collectively.

“Since Victor took part in the 2024 Rookie Test with the A424, there has been a clear mutual desire to work together. We share the same mindset and approach, and I have no doubt that his integration into the team will be swift and that he will very quickly be able to contribute to improving our overall performance.”

Martins is set to make his FIA WEC debut at the 2026 season opener, the Qatar 1812KM, from 26th to 28th March 2026.