Williams F1 junior lands Alpine race seat

Williams F1 junior Victor Martins has struck a deal with Alpine Racing and will compete for the team in the World Endurance Championship this year.

Martins was formerly a member of the Alpine Academy and won the Formula 3 championship in 2022 as part of the French manufacturer.

However, he exited the programme ahead of the 2025 season and joined Williams' junior scheme as he embarked on a third campaign in Formula 2.

Martins ended the season 11th in the standings with one feature race win and a further two podiums.

The Frenchman has now left the junior category for a full-time drive in WEC, which will include an outing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“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 said. 

“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 has not raced prototype machinery as of yet, but tested Alpine's hypercar during a Bahrain test at the end of 2024.