Victor Martins will take the next major step in his career in 2026 after agreeing to race for Alpine Endurance Team in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). The move sees the former Alpine Academy driver transition from single-seater competition to prototype racing in the Hypercar category.
The Frenchman arrives in endurance racing following several strong seasons in the junior single-seater ranks, where he consistently established himself as a front-running contender.
Martins boasts strong single-seater record to strengthen arrival to Alpine 2026 WEC project
Martins built an impressive résumé during his time in the feeder series. Across three full FIA Formula 2 campaigns, he secured 18 podium finishes, including three victories, and achieved a best championship result of fifth.
Furthermore, he strengthened his ties to top-level motorsport last year after joining the Williams Driver Academy. During that period, he also participated in several Formula 1 test sessions for both Williams and Alpine, gaining valuable experience in cutting-edge machinery.
However, Martins’ relationship with Alpine’s endurance programme began earlier. In late 2024, he took part in the WEC Rookie Test in Bahrain, where he drove the Alpine A424 Hypercar for the first time.
Despite having no prior endurance racing experience, Martins adapted quickly to the demands of the Hypercar machinery. He immediately demonstrated strong pace by topping the rookie timesheets during the morning session.
By the end of the test day, he had finished third-fastest among the rookie drivers, highlighting both his natural speed and his ability to quickly adapt to a new racing discipline.
That performance played a key role in Alpine’s decision to bring him into its endurance programme for the 2026 season.
Martins to form part of Alpine Endurance Team’s Hypercar line-up for 2026 WEC campaign
Martins will form part of Alpine’s six-driver, two-car Hypercar line-up in the WEC. Meanwhile, António Félix da Costa has already been confirmed in the #35 Alpine A424, the car that secured victory in the championship’s landmark 100th race at Fuji last September. At the same time, Frédéric Makowiecki will remain with the #36 entry, which delivered a podium finish last season. Together, the drivers will aim to strengthen Alpine’s presence in the Hypercar category as the team continues its long-term development project.
For Martins, the opportunity to race in the WEC represents both a major responsibility and an exciting new chapter in his career.
“Joining Alpine Endurance Team in the FIA World Endurance Championship is a significant step in my career and a responsibility I take very seriously,” Martins commented. “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.”
Alpine welcomes new addition
Alpine Team Principal Philippe Sinault also expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasising Martins’ pace and technical feedback.
“We are obviously very pleased with this collaboration, which represents a strong and exciting opportunity for the project,” echoed Alpine Team Principal, Philippe Sinault. “Victor will bring 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.”
