The Alpine Academy

The programme has grown from strength to strength each year since it was established in 2016. Its goal from the outset has been clear and remains so: for an Alpine Academy driver to be in Formula 1 and become world champion with the team.

Despite a challenging year for the motorsports industry, the Academy was able to execute a full programme of junior motor racing in 2020 and achieve some excellent results on and off the track. On top of the individual success achieved by its young drivers in each of their respective seasons, the Academy drivers gained invaluable experience from several young driver test days with the Formula 1 team throughout the year, which in turn contributed to the overall development of the race team.

This year the Alpine Academy consists of five drivers. Christian, who is the longest serving member on the programme, enters his fifth season with the Academy and his second year in FIA Formula 2 with ART Grand Prix, on the back of two wins in his rookie campaign. Zhou will start his third year with the Academy, remaining with UNI-Virtuosi Racing for another season in Formula 2 following his maiden win in the series last year. Rounding off the Academy contenders in Formula 2 is Oscar – the reigning FIA Formula 3 Champion – who will be racing his rookie season in the series with defending champions PREMA Racing.

Completing this year’s Alpine Academy line-up is the reigning Formula Renault Eurocup champion, Victor Martins, and the series runner-up Caio Collet. Victor joins the programme for a second time having first signed at the start of 2018, while Brazilian driver Caio embarks on his third year with the Academy. Both Victor and Caio will compete in their rookie seasons in Formula 3 this year as teammates for MP Motorsport, following on from their enthralling title battle last year in the Eurocup.