Alpine Endurance Team has announced the signing of Frenchman Victor Martins to its FIA WEC Hypercar programme ahead of the 2026 season.
2022 FIA Formula 3 champion Martins, a previous member of the Alpine Driver Academy, is making the switch to endurance racing after three seasons in FIA Formula 2.
The 24-year-old previously tested Alpine’s A424 LMDh at the 2024 FIA WEC Rookie Test, where he was the fastest rookie in 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 programme.”
Martins joins fellow new signing António Félix Da Costa, and Frédéric Makowiecki, as officially confirmed Hypercar drivers for Alpine in 2026. The team has not announced which of its two cars, #35 or #36, Martins will race in 2026.
IndyCar-bound Mick Schumacher and Genesis signing Paul-Loup Chatin, meanwhile, have both been announced as exiting the French marque’s roster, as part of what is set to be a significant overhaul of Alpine’s Hypercar line-up.
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
Images courtesy of FIA WEC
