Victor Martins, a regular in Formula 2 since 2023 and a test driver for Williams in Formula 1 in 2025, is set to make his debut in endurance racing with Alpine at the World Endurance Championship in 2026.
At 24 years old, Martins joins a growing cohort of single-seater drivers who didn’t secure a place in F1 and are now shifting their focus to endurance racing.
What We Have Learned
In a trend that’s becoming more prevalent, Alpine announced this news on social media. As previously indicated by The Race, Martins has been welcomed into the French brand’s Hypercar program.
“Joining the Alpine Endurance Team for the FIA World Endurance Championship marks an important milestone in my career that I take very seriously,” stated Martins. “Competing in my first Le Mans 24 Hours with this team is incredibly motivating. I’m eager to collaborate closely with everyone to enhance performance, establish consistency, and contribute to the program’s long-term success.”
Following the exits of Mick Schumacher to IndyCar and Paul-Loup Chatin to Genesis, Alpine needed to bolster its driver lineup and has likely secured its second and last addition after Antonio Felix da Costa.
A Familiar Relationship Resumed
Martins’ involvement with Alpine signifies the third connection he has had with the Renault Group, having been part of the Renault Academy in 2018-19 and rejoining the Alpine Academy in 2021 after securing the Formula Renault Eurocup title. He also experienced prototype racing through Alpine, participating in the WEC rookie test in Bahrain at the end of 2024.
A Well-Established Pathway
As outlined by The Race in May, endurance racing has increasingly attracted drivers who have been edged out of Formula 1. Since 2015, 20 of the 41 drivers who finished in the top five of F2 or its predecessor GP2 have raced in at least one grand prix, with a portion now participating in endurance racing.
Martins’ commitment to WEC provides a fitting resolution to a unique journey toward F1, which appeared likely after he emerged as a karting world champion, alongside competitors like Oscar Piastri and Jack Doohan. Although he showcased impressive qualifying skills in F2, he struggled to secure a seat in F1.
