Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Alpine Academy

The Alpine Academy is a driver development programme run by the to identify and support young racing progressing through junior formulae towards a potential career. Originally established by F1 in 2002 as the Renault Driver Programme, it underwent several rebrandings, including to the Lotus Racing Driver Programme (2012–2015) and back to Renault Sport Academy (2016–2020), before adopting its current name in 2021 following the team's rebranding to . The programme provides resources such as testing opportunities, coaching, and funding to its members, with several graduates advancing to seats.

History

Alpine Academy was established in 2001 as a therapeutic residential program under the nonprofit Village, which was founded in 1969 by Lila B. Bjorklund as the Girls' Village to provide care for abused and troubled girls in , . Initially focused on girls, the Village expanded to include boys in 1988 and adopted its current name to reflect its co-educational mission of empowering children and families. Bjorklund, a community advocate who worked on juvenile justice reforms, envisioned a nurturing alternative to traditional detention facilities, emphasizing family-style care and the Teaching-Family Model, which the organization adopted early on. The academy, located in Erda, Utah, began operations as a boarding school for adolescents aged 12 to 18 facing emotional and behavioral challenges, integrating , , and small-group living. It operates two campuses: the Mountain View Campus for female students and the Lakeview Campus for male students, both licensed by the Department of Human Services as residential treatment facilities and certified as non-public schools. In 2007, Alpine Academy opened the Gary & Ann Crocker Education Center to enhance its academic offerings. By 2020, the program announced plans to open a new campus to expand capacity amid growing demand for therapeutic services in the region. Like many facilities in the troubled teen industry, Alpine Academy has faced controversies and allegations of abuse. In 2009, staff member Jonathan R. Carver was convicted on five counts of forcible of a . Another employee, Kayla Walker, faced multiple charges related to with residents in 2010. In 2011, a resident, Astrid Valdivia, died in a murder-suicide after leaving the . Survivor accounts have reported instances of , isolation, forced labor, and inappropriate therapeutic practices, including alleged elements, prompting criticism from advocacy groups like Breaking Code Silence and HEAL. In October 2025, a former therapist at the academy, Shawn , was accused of misconduct in a Salt Lake Tribune investigation, highlighting ongoing concerns about staff oversight. As of November 2025, Alpine Academy continues to operate as part of Youth Village, maintaining its focus on while addressing regulatory and public scrutiny in Utah's residential treatment sector.

Programme Overview

Selection Process and Criteria

The selection process for the Alpine Academy involves talented drivers from global karting and junior single-seater championships, followed by rigorous assessments to evaluate their potential. Scouts monitor performances in series such as the CIK-FIA European Karting Championship and WSK Super Master Series, using data analytics to analyze race , lap times, and metrics from thousands of data points collected during events. Promising candidates are then invited to assessment phases, which include physical and mental aptitude tests, simulator sessions to gauge adaptability to Alpine's technical setups, and private tests in older Formula 1 chassis to simulate race conditions. Key criteria for selection emphasize proven performance metrics, such as wins and finishes in competitive series, alongside age ranges typically from early teens to mid-20s to allow for long-term development. Additional factors include off-track integration, such as and skills, and post-2021 priorities on , including gender balance through initiatives like the Rac(H)er programme, which targets underrepresented talent with tailored physiological and cognitive evaluations. Adaptability to Alpine's , assessed via simulator and , is crucial to ensure drivers can align with the team's engineering philosophy. The process has evolved since the 2021 rebrand from the programme, shifting toward a more inclusive affiliate structure that scouts internationally and provides initial career before full . For higher-level candidates from Formula 3 or Formula 2, a three-step evaluation is employed: an initial test in a two-year-old F1 car, a two-day programme involving practice, qualifying, and race simulations, and finally team trials. Recent examples include 12-year-old Canadian kart racer Ilie Tristan Crisan, selected in 2025 based on his sixth-place finish in the WSK Final Cup and 10th in the CIK-FIA for OK-Junior, and 17-year-old Emirati Keanu Al Azhari, who joined the same year after runner-up finishes in the 2024 UAE and Spanish championships, highlighting potential in GB3.

Development Support and Resources

Alpine Academy provides comprehensive financial support to its members, covering the costs of participation in junior racing series such as Formula 3, Formula 2, and , including travel expenses and professional coaching. This funding is provided at no cost to selected drivers, enabling them to focus on performance without personal financial burden. On the technical side, Academy members gain access to the team's Formula 1 simulator at the factory, where they conduct virtual testing sessions to build track familiarity and contribute to car development data. They also receive mentorship from engineers and staff, including opportunities to interact in the F1 garage during race weekends for direct feedback on performance and setup strategies. Educational resources emphasize holistic development beyond racing, with programs focused on , through intensive training camps, media training, and guidance on obtaining an . The BWT Alpine F1 Team's partnership with JAAQ, announced in 2024, provides support resources that benefit Academy members, including personalized platforms and awareness campaigns to destigmatize in . Partnerships support broader skill-building, such as initiatives and leadership workshops aimed at preparing drivers for careers in . The programme outlines clear progression pathways, starting from karting and affiliate levels, advancing through , , and , with potential opportunities in endurance racing via Alpine's involvement in the (). For example, following Jack Doohan's promotion to an seat for the 2025 season, he competed in six Grands Prix before being replaced by in May 2025. The global affiliate programme extends support to emerging talents worldwide, facilitating entry from regional series in and Asia.

Current Members

Formula-Level Drivers and Reserves

The Formula-level drivers and reserves within the Alpine Academy represent the programme's most advanced talents, focusing on those competing or supporting at FIA Formula 2 and Formula 1 levels as of November 2025. These members benefit from intensive simulator work, track testing, and free practice opportunities to bridge the gap to full-time F1 roles, with an emphasis on performance data integration and technical feedback to the team. Paul Aron, an Estonian driver born in 2004, joined the at the end of 2024 following a standout season in FIA Formula 2 with Hitech Pulse-Eight, where he secured one victory, eight podiums, and finished third in the drivers' championship. In 2025, Aron serves as a key reserve driver for the , contributing to development through driver-in-loop simulator sessions for both the current and 2026 cars. His on-track experience includes multiple FP1 sessions for , such as at the in September and the Grand Prix in October, where he focused on setup optimization and data collection under race-like conditions. Additionally, Aron was loaned to the Kick Sauber F1 Team for FP1 duties at the and Grands Prix, enhancing his adaptability across chassis and providing cross-team insights. Kush Maini, a 24-year-old driver of Indian heritage from , became part of the Alpine Academy in October 2023, marking the programme's first Indian member and emphasizing global diversity in talent development. In 2025, Maini competes in his third FIA Formula 2 season with , achieving a breakthrough victory in the that highlighted his prowess and strategic overtaking. His role expanded to include test and reserve duties for the , involving simulator correlation and development testing to support car setup refinements. Gabriele Minì, an Italian driver born in 2005, has been a member of the Alpine Academy since 2023 and is competing in his rookie FIA Formula 2 season with in 2025. Minì, the 2020 Italian F4 Champion, finished second in the and seventh in FIA Formula 3 in 2023 before a strong 2024 campaign that included multiple podiums. In 2025, he has shown promise in F2 with consistent points finishes and benefited from Academy support including simulator access and technical mentoring at . Franco Colapinto, an Argentine driver born in 2003, joined the Alpine Academy in January 2025 on a multi-year deal as a test and reserve driver, building on his late-2024 stint replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams, where he scored points in his debut races. During the 2025 season, Colapinto was promoted to a partial race role with Alpine from round 7 (Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix) onwards, competing in approximately 18 Grands Prix and providing valuable feedback on tire management and qualifying simulations despite a point-less season. His integration into the Academy has focused on long-term preparation, culminating in confirmation as a full-time F1 driver alongside Pierre Gasly for 2026.

Junior Formula and Karting Drivers

The Alpine Academy's junior formula and karting drivers represent the entry-level tier of the programme, focusing on young talents aged 12 to 17 who are competing in karting championships or stepping up to single-seater series like GB3 and Italian . These drivers receive tailored support, including access to simulator training, fitness programmes, and technical guidance from Alpine's facility, aimed at building foundational skills for progression within the academy. As of November 2025, this group includes promising karters and GB3/ competitors, emphasizing diversity and early-career development. Ilie Tristan Crisan, a 12-year-old Canadian driver, joined the Alpine Academy in January 2025 on a long-term agreement ahead of the WSK Super Master Series. Competing in the OK Junior (OKJ) category with Tony Kart, Crisan impressed in his 2024 rookie season by securing a victory at Round 2 of the WSK Final Cup in , finishing second overall in that event, and placing 10th in the with a best result of fourth in . He also ended the year 11th in the . For 2025, Crisan's goals include strong performances in the WSK Super Master Series and continued growth in international karting events to solidify his position as a top junior prospect. Sukhmani Kaur Khera, a 12-year-old British-Indian female driver, advanced to full-time membership in February 2025 after two years in the team's Rac(H)er karting initiative. Khera races in the British Kart Championships and IAME Euro Series with Fusion Motorsport, where she has shown consistent improvement in junior categories since starting competitive karting at age 8. Her 2025 objectives center on podium contention in these series, leveraging academy resources for enhanced racecraft and physical conditioning to prepare for potential single-seater transitions. Keanu Al Azhari, a 17-year-old Emirati driver based in , was added to the Alpine Academy in March 2025 as part of its F1 Junior Programme. He is contesting the 2025 with Hitech TGR, marking his step up from 4. In 2024, Al Azhari achieved two wins, five podiums, and four pole positions en route to third place in the F4 UAE Championship, while finishing as runner-up in the with additional victories in the Winter Series. His season goals include adapting to GB3's increased competitiveness and targeting top-five finishes to position himself for further academy progression, such as 2. Kabir Anurag, an 18-year-old Singaporean driver, joined the Alpine Academy in April 2024 and continues in 2025, primarily competing in the with US Racing while making late-season appearances in GB3 with Xcel Motorsport for the final two rounds at and . Anurag debuted in car racing in 2023 with British F4, achieving podiums, and in 2024 secured multiple top finishes in Italian F4. His 2025 program focuses on gaining experience in more competitive single-seaters, supported by Academy fitness and coaching to aim for higher formulas.

Female Development Initiatives

Rac(H)er Karting Programme

The Rac(H)er Karting Programme, launched in July 2022 as part of 's broader initiative to promote gender diversity in , specifically targets young female karting talents to foster their development within the Alpine Academy. Inspired by 's commitment to and equal opportunities, the programme draws its name from a play on "racer" with an emphasis on "her," aiming to address the underrepresentation of women in by providing structured support from an early age. It operates as a dedicated female-only pathway, integrating with the Alpine Driver Development (ADD) team to identify and nurture promising drivers through specialized training protocols. The programme's structure centers on an annual selection process for international participants, initially focusing on girls aged 10 to 15, offering access to Alpine's Human High-Performance Centre in , , for personalized physical and mental conditioning based on scientific methodologies. Participants receive tailor-made coaching, mentorship from figures such as Olympic boxer , and resources including equipment and competitive opportunities to build skills in karting disciplines. Key events include training sessions and evaluations at Alpine-affiliated facilities, with the programme emphasizing holistic development to prepare drivers for progression in single-seater racing. The inaugural cohort in 2023 consisted of six selected karters: Aiva Anagnostiadis (, age 15), Angélina Proenca (, age 13), Chiara Battig (, age 12), Lisa Billard (, age 13), Maria Chiara Nardelli (, age 12), and Sukhmani Kaur Khera (, age 10), chosen through a global scouting effort to represent diverse backgrounds. By 2024, the group continued development, with subsequent expansions incorporating additional international talents while maintaining the core focus on karting excellence. In 2025, the programme saw further growth, including the promotion of Sukhmani Kaur Khera to the full Alpine Academy as a junior driver. Achievements from the programme include notable progressions for its participants into higher-level competitions, such as Aiva Anagnostiadis advancing to the series in 2025 after competing in the Indian Formula 4 Championship in 2024 and her time in the karting cohort, demonstrating the pathway's effectiveness in bridging grassroots karting to professional single-seater racing. However, in October 2025, Anagnostiadis underwent surgery on her left foot and will miss the season finale in . Similarly, drivers like Angélina Proenca have competed in series such as the IAME Series, while Billard secured a wild card entry to events in 2025, highlighting the programme's role in creating ties to advanced female development pathways like . These successes underscore the initiative's impact in elevating female talents toward potential Formula 1 aspirations.

F1 Academy Participants

The , an all-female single-seater racing series established in 2023, aims to nurture emerging female talent by providing a pathway to higher categories, including the accumulation of points for top performers. , through its Academy programme, supports participants in the series by providing comprehensive resources such as engineering expertise, testing opportunities, and technical development to enhance their competitive performance. As of 2025, Dutch driver Nina Gademan serves as Academy's primary representative in , racing full-time with after impressing in her wildcard appearance at the 2024 , where she finished fourth in Race 1 and tenth in Race 2 to score 13 points. The 22-year-old transitioned from British , where she secured a rookie podium in 2024, bringing her single-seater experience to the series. With full backing from , including dedicated engineering support and pre-season testing in the Formula Winter Series, Gademan's objectives for 2025 focus on consistent results to earn Super Licence points, targeting progression toward FIA Formula 3 or beyond. She achieved her maiden F1 Academy victory at the 2025 , leading every lap from on her home circuit. Preceding Gademan, British driver represented Alpine in as the 2024 champion, securing eight wins and the title with Rodin Carlin before departing the Academy in March 2025 to pursue the with . Her exit marked a transitional shift for Alpine's female development efforts, paving the way for Gademan's elevation while highlighting the programme's emphasis on rapid progression to mixed-gender series.

Graduates to Formula 1

Renault and Lotus-Era Graduates (2002–2015)

During the Renault and Lotus eras, the driver development programme—initially known as the Renault Driver Development (RDD) initiative launched in 2002—nurtured several talents who progressed to Formula 1 seats, primarily through testing and reserve roles that provided essential mileage and feedback for car evolution. These graduates contributed significantly to the team's competitiveness, accumulating thousands of test kilometers and influencing chassis and aerodynamics development during a period marked by Renault's constructors' titles in 2005 and 2006, followed by the Lotus rebranding from 2012 to 2015. In total, the programme facilitated two F1 debuts between 2007 and 2015, with drivers gaining hands-on experience in lower formulae like Formula Renault 3.5 and GP2 before stepping up. Heikki Kovalainen joined the RDD in 2002 as one of its inaugural members, progressing through British Formula 3 and Formula Renault 3.5, where he secured the 2004 championship title. His extensive testing with Renault, exceeding 10,000 kilometers in 2006 alone, helped refine the R26 and R27 cars' setups, providing vital data on tire management and setup optimization. Kovalainen made his F1 debut with Renault in 2007, replacing Fernando Alonso and scoring a podium in his rookie season at the European Grand Prix, ultimately finishing 13th in the drivers' standings with 30 points. Romain Grosjean joined the RDD in 2006 after winning the Formula Renault 2.0 championship, and dominated the in 2007, before becoming a test and reserve driver for 2009. He logged significant miles in private tests, aiding the R29's aerodynamic refinements and providing feedback on braking stability. Grosjean's F1 debut came mid-2009 with at the , replacing the previous driver, though his three-race stint yielded no points and ended in a ban after a collision in . Returning to in 2012 under the rebranded programme, he excelled with eight podiums, including a third place at the , finishing seventh in the standings with 96 points and marking the team's resurgence. Jolyon Palmer received Lotus-era support in 2015 as third and reserve driver, conducting simulator work and limited track tests that informed the E23's development amid the team's transition. After winning the GP2 title independently, his programme involvement bridged to his F1 debut in 2016 with the rebranded team. These graduates' collective testing directly enhanced Renault-Lotus cars' performance, from podium contention in 2007-2008 to consistent midfield results by 2012-2015.

Modern Alpine-Era Graduates (2016–present)

Esteban Ocon joined the driver development program in 2015 as part of its junior academy, transitioning to a reserve role with the team in 2016 after being loaned from . Despite debuting with in 2016 via the Mercedes loan, supported by the programme, he competed in all 21 races and scored 45 points to finish 18th in the drivers' championship. Ocon returned to a full-time F1 seat with (later rebranded as ) from 2020 to 2024, achieving a career highlight with at the , the first win for a Renault/Alpine-powered car since 2008, before moving to Haas for 2025. Jack Doohan joined the Alpine Academy in 2022 after leaving the , focusing on Formula 2 with . In 2023, he finished third in the drivers' championship with three wins and seven podiums, establishing himself as a top prospect. Doohan served as Alpine's reserve driver in 2024, participating in several practice sessions, before being promoted to a full-time race seat for 2025 alongside , replacing Ocon and marking the first direct Academy graduate to an F1 seat in the modern era. The Alpine Academy also had brief associations with other drivers who reached F1 through different paths, including from 2020 to 2021, who debuted with in 2023 after winning the 2021 Formula 2 title, and Guanyu Zhou in 2021 following his stint since 2019, leading to his 2022 Sauber debut as China's first F1 driver. These connections highlight the Academy's role in nurturing international talent during the Renault/ transition, building on earlier graduates like those from the 2002–2015 era.

Former Members

Notable Non-F1 Graduates

Several former members of the Alpine Academy, previously known as the Academy and its predecessors, have achieved significant success in feeder series and other motorsport disciplines without advancing to Formula 1. The programme, established in , has supported over 50 drivers in total, with the majority finding prominent roles in categories like the , , (WEC), and ABB FIA World Championship. Olli Caldwell joined the Alpine Academy in 2022 as a promising talent from Formula 3, where he secured multiple race wins. In 2023, he transitioned from Formula 2 to endurance racing, debuting in the WEC's LMP2 class with the Alpine ELF Team aboard the Alpine A470 prototype. This shift marked a strategic pivot toward sportscar racing, where Caldwell contributed to the team's efforts in a season that included strong showings at events like the . His endurance career highlights the academy's role in diversifying pathways beyond open-wheel single-seaters. Victor Martins entered the academy in 2020 following his Formula Renault Eurocup title win that year. He progressed to claim the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship with ART Grand Prix, securing eight victories and the drivers' crown. Martins then competed in Formula 2 from 2023 to 2025, finishing fifth in the standings in 2023 as the top rookie and achieving podiums in subsequent seasons, including a third-place result at the 2024 Monaco sprint race. After departing the Alpine Academy in early 2025, he joined the Williams Driver Academy while continuing his F2 campaign with ART, positioning himself as a consistent performer in the series without securing an F1 seat. Other notable alumni include , who joined the Renault Sport Academy in 2017 and advanced through Formula 3 and Formula 2 before transitioning to the in 2021 with . Lundgaard impressed in his rookie season with a fourth-place qualifying at the road course and later moved to for the 2025 season, where he earned a at Mid-Ohio and multiple top-five finishes. Similarly, , an academy member from 2021 to 2022, progressed from Formula 3 to by Firestone, winning races en route to the 2026 IndyCar seat with AJ Foyt Racing. In Formula E, , a Renault academy graduate and former development driver, became the 2024–25 series champion with Nissan Formula E Team, securing seven wins and the title at the E-Prix. These examples underscore the academy's impact in nurturing talent for diverse high-level competitions.

Departures and Transitions

The Alpine Academy has experienced several high-profile departures since its rebranding in 2021, often driven by contract disputes, competing opportunities, and performance evaluations that prompted drivers to seek alternative paths. One of the most notable cases was that of in 2022, when the Australian driver publicly rejected Alpine's announcement of his promotion to their Formula 1 team, leading to a legal battle resolved by the FIA's Contract Recognition Board in favor of his pre-existing agreement with . This saga underscored vulnerabilities in the academy's contractual framework, as Alpine's option to place Piastri in a race seat had not been properly formalized. Earlier, in 2017, Zhou Guanyu left the academy at the end of 2021 to secure a full-time Formula 1 seat with , a move Alpine supported without obstruction despite his development contributions. More recently, in February 2025, exited following her 2024 F1 Academy championship victory, citing a mutual decision not to renew amid discussions on her future, as she transitioned to the GB3 series with . These exits highlight recurring reasons such as disputes over terms, superior external offers, and post-achievement reviews that realign career trajectories. The impacts of these departures have been significant, particularly the 2022 Piastri affair, which cost Alpine over £500,000 in legal fees and prompted internal reflection on reserve driver protocols and talent retention strategies. It nearly led to the program's dissolution, as then-CEO questioned its value amid the instability, though the academy persisted with adjustments to avoid similar public embarrassments. In contrast, Jack Doohan's promotion to a full-time Formula 1 seat for 2025 marked a stabilizing milestone as the first academy graduate to achieve this within the team, though he was replaced mid-season by reserve driver in May 2025, signaling ongoing challenges in retention. Colapinto's multi-year move from Williams to Alpine as a reserve driver in January 2025 later evolved into a race role, illustrating how the program navigates rival team dynamics. Since 2021, the academy has seen numerous departures—exceeding a dozen across various levels—prompting lessons in contractual rigor and loyalty mechanisms, including tighter option clauses and incentives tied to long-term commitments implemented post- to safeguard future talents.

References

  1. [1]
    Therapeutic Boarding Schools Utah | Alpine Academy
    Explore our therapeutic boarding school in Utah, where students receive personalized support and guidance to foster emotional healing and academic success.
  2. [2]
    Alpine Academy, Treatment Center, Erda, UT, 84074
    Alpine Academy students often face severe anxiety and depression, making it hard to succeed at home, school, and with friends. Many have experienced trauma ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  3. [3]
    Alpine Academy - default
    Alpine Academy Therapeutic Schools is Utah state-licensed as a residential treatment center for adolescents, ages 12-18.
  4. [4]
    Alpine Academy: Residential Treatment Facility for Teens
    Discover a supportive residential treatment facility for teens in Utah, offering personalized care and programs to help young individuals thrive and heal.Team · Careers · Contact US · Alpine Academy Complaints...
  5. [5]
    https://youthvillage.org/about/
  6. [6]
    Renault Driver Development 2006 class - Motorsport.com
    Feb 14, 2006 · Created in 2002 by the Renault F1 Team, the RDD programme aims to sport the most promising young drivers of tomorrow. A rigorous, demanding ...
  7. [7]
    Renault select four drivers for '02 RDD programme. - Crash.net
    Mar 31, 2022 · The RDD has been conceived as an integral part of Renault's return to Formula One, and aims to nurture high-potential young drivers within a ...Missing: founded history
  8. [8]
    Renault announces Driver Development program - Grandprix.com
    Dec 13, 2001 · RENAULT has announced plans to help the careers of various young drivers in the years ahead and has selected Eric Salignon (France), ...Missing: evaluation camps partnerships
  9. [9]
    Renault's new kids - Grandprix.com
    ... Heikki Kovalainen is racing with Renault F1, having been guided from 2002 in the RDD programme ... For five years, the Renault Driver Development Programme has ...
  10. [10]
    Kovalainen to stay at Renault in 2006 - Autosport
    Nov 23, 2005 · GP2 runner up Heikki Kovalainen will be Renault's third F1 driver and will not move to BMW-Sauber in 2006, according to Flavio Briatore.Missing: championship | Show results with:championship
  11. [11]
    Robert Kubica - Grandprix.com
    He was signed up as a member of the Renault Development Driver programme and in 2002 finished runner-up in the Italian Formula Renault series and seventh in the ...
  12. [12]
    Alpine - Year by Year | Formula 1®
    2012. Team name officially changes to Lotus from Renault (formerly Benetton, 1986-2001). F1 returnee Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean score several podiums ...Missing: Development Programme
  13. [13]
    Renault confirms works Formula 1 return with Lotus takeover
    Dec 3, 2015 · Renault chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn has confirmed the manufacturer will return to Formula 1 in 2016 as a full-time works outfit.
  14. [14]
    Esteban Ocon on his journey to F1 – and karting battles with ...
    May 22, 2020 · After that fight for the title in 2013, I became part of the Lotus F1 junior team ... programme with a role as test driver at Force India.
  15. [15]
    Lotus F1 team lost £57million in 2015 before Renault takeover
    Jul 19, 2016 · The Lotus Formula 1 team recorded a staggering loss of £57million for 2015, recently published accounts have revealed.
  16. [16]
    Top Stories of 2015, #14: Renault takes over Lotus F1 team
    It took a while, but Renault finally committed to Formula 1 by taking over the Lotus team to race under its own name.
  17. [17]
    F1 2016 review: A tough transitional year for Renault - Motorsport.com
    Dec 14, 2016 · Both drivers scored points, with 2017 returnee Jolyon Palmer securing P10 in Malaysia. In the other car, Kevin Magnussen managed seventh-place ...
  18. [18]
    Renault confirm Magnussen, reveal 2016 car - Formula 1
    Feb 3, 2016 · Magnussen, who replaces the outgoing Pastor Maldonado, will race alongside Jolyon Palmer at the rebranded Renault Sport F1 Team, with GP3 ...
  19. [19]
    See ya later - Nico Hulkenberg to leave Force India and join Renault ...
    Oct 14, 2016 · Nico Hulkenberg will leave Force India at the end of the 2016 Formula 1 season and join Renault on a multi-year deal, it was announced today.
  20. [20]
    History of female F1 drivers - including grand prix starters and test ...
    Mar 8, 2024 · Formula One Management financially backs the series, subsidising each entry with a budget of €150,000 per season, although drivers taking part ...
  21. [21]
    Coronavirus quarantine means Renault junior Lundgaard misses F2 ...
    Feb 28, 2020 · Renault Formula 1 junior Christian Lundgaard has been detained in Tenerife due to the coronavirus epidemic and will miss the upcoming Formula 2 ...<|separator|>
  22. [22]
    Eight positive Covid-19 tests in F1 last week following Renault cases
    Oct 16, 2020 · As RaceFans revealed this week, two members of Renault's F1 team tested positive while in Spain in connection with Fernando Alonso's filming ...
  23. [23]
    ALPINE ACADEMY LAUNCHES 2021 LINE-UP
    Feb 10, 2021 · Renault Sport Academy develops into Alpine Academy, in line with F1 team renaissance Guanyu Zhou, Christian Lundgaard, Oscar Piastri and ...
  24. [24]
    Why Alpine's new academy is more 'restructure' than 'rebrand'
    Feb 10, 2021 · It's more than just a new name at what was the Renault Sport Academy, as 2021 marks the start of a new strategy at Alpine.
  25. [25]
    Alpine unveils 2021 young driver roster, F2 and F3 programmes
    Feb 10, 2021 · The rebranded Alpine Academy that intends to nurture talent to Formula 1 has been formally launched. A change of branding means the junior ...
  26. [26]
    Alpine Academy enters new era with international driver line-up
    Feb 14, 2022 · BWT Alpine F1 Team reveals four drivers in its 2022 Alpine Academy line-up Australian Jack Doohan and Briton Olli Caldwell are the two ...
  27. [27]
    Alpine Academy announce biggest-ever line-up for 2023 | Formula 1®
    Feb 13, 2023 · The Alpine Academy have announced their largest junior line-up yet, with eight drivers featuring in their new-look roster for 2023.
  28. [28]
    ALPINE ACADEMY REVEALS EIGHT DRIVER 2023 LINE-UP AND ...
    Feb 14, 2023 · BWT Alpine F1 Team is pleased to unveil its Alpine Academy line-up for the 2023 season, which features eight drivers from seven countries competing across six ...
  29. [29]
    Jack Doohan promoted to full-time seat to complete 2025 driver line ...
    Aug 23, 2024 · BWT Alpine F1 Team is delighted to announce the promotion of Reserve Driver Jack Doohan into a full-time race seat for the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World ...
  30. [30]
    Doohan promoted to F1 for 2025 as Alpine confirm he will partner ...
    Aug 23, 2024 · Alpine have announced that current reserve driver Jack Doohan will complete their line-up for the 2025 season – replacing Esteban Ocon as Pierre Gasly's team ...
  31. [31]
    Alpine considering end to F1 academy after Piastri saga - The Race
    Sep 18, 2022 · Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi has suggested the Formula 1 team's young driver programme could be scrapped in response to the Oscar Piastri saga.
  32. [32]
    Alpine promote Piastri to reserve role after Zhou departure - GPFans
    Nov 16, 2021 · Oscar Piastri will replace Guanyu Zhou as Alpine reserve driver for 2022 after the Chinese driver made the switch to Alfa Romeo.
  33. [33]
    Alpine announce Rac(H)er programme to provide path to F1 for ...
    Jun 29, 2022 · Rac(H)er aims to increase Alpine's proportion of female engineers to 30% by 2027, with just 12% of the Alpine car company's workforce made up of women at ...
  34. [34]
    Alpine's Rac(H)er programme for equal opportunity announces new ...
    Feb 16, 2023 · Rac(H)er was also reinforced with the promotion of its new talents as Sophia Floersch joins the Alpine Academy and will race in the FIA Formula ...
  35. [35]
    Alpine announce Kush Maini as Test and Reserve Driver for 2025
    Mar 11, 2025 · Maini joins a pool of reserve drivers at Alpine that also includes Paul Aron, Ryo Hirakawa and former Williams super-sub Franco Colapinto.
  36. [36]
    Alpine signs Maini as its fourth reserve driver for 2025
    Mar 11, 2025 · Alpine has signed Kush Maini as a test and reserve driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Maini has been part of the Alpine Academy since October 2023.
  37. [37]
    All the 2025 reserve drivers for every F1 team | Formula 1®
    Jan 13, 2025 · Also in Alpine's reserve driver line-up for 2025 is Ryo Hirakawa. As ... Franco Colapinto, Ryo Hirakawa, Paul Aron, Kush Maini. Haas, TBC.
  38. [38]
    Ilie Tristan Crisan joins Alpine Academy programme
    Jan 24, 2025 · Canadian kart racer, Ilie Tristan Crisan, joins the Alpine Academy programme ahead of the 2025 WSK Super Master Series.
  39. [39]
    WSK Super Master Series begins with unveiling of new Alpine junior
    Jan 26, 2025 · Crisan is in his sophomore year on OK-J karts, having come sixth in the WSK Final Cup, 10th in the CIK-FIA European championship, 25th in WSK ...
  40. [40]
    Alpine Academy creates affiliate programme to find the racing stars ...
    Mar 9, 2022 · The Alpine Affiliate programme will offer its drivers professional support and provide the benefits of working at BWT Alpine F1 Team's world ...
  41. [41]
    Keanu Al Azhari joins Alpine Academy ahead of GB3 move
    Mar 18, 2025 · The Alpine Formula 1 team has announced that Keanu Al Azhari has become a member of its academy. The 17-year-old Emirati is headed to GB3 this year with Hitech ...
  42. [42]
    LONG READ: What it's really like to be in an F1 team's driver academy
    Jan 22, 2022 · “Mia Sharizman [Alpine Academy Director] has always asked me what I would like to do – for example, he asked me ahead of 2019 if I wanted to ...Missing: selection criteria
  43. [43]
    F1 Drivers Development Program 101 : r/F1FeederSeries - Reddit
    Feb 21, 2021 · This is just basic knowledge of the drivers development program. It's not perfect but it's there for all redditers who just enter feeder series.BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces Kush Maini as ... - RedditThe Alpine Academy has a winning vision, but lost its drivers - RedditMore results from www.reddit.comMissing: process criteria
  44. [44]
    Businessolver Disrupts in Partnership with Alpine Motorsports | News
    Feb 20, 2024 · Businessolver will support the Alpine Academy and Rac(Her) programs to engage young minds in educational programs, STEM initiatives and ...Missing: EF | Show results with:EF
  45. [45]
    F1 young driver programmes: Which drivers are signed to which ...
    Most F1 teams have young driver programmes to develop new talent: who are they and where do they race?
  46. [46]
    JAAQ announces groundbreaking Mental Health Platform ... - Alpine
    May 17, 2024 · ... mental health support and help address pressing mental health issues within motorsport. ... Alpine Academy driver Abbi Pulling also took part in a ...
  47. [47]
    BWT Alpine Formula One Team and JAAQ mark World Mental ...
    Oct 10, 2024 · ... Alpine Academy driver Abbi Pulling have shared their personal stories on JAAQ. Visitors can ask them questions about their mental health and ...
  48. [48]
    Paul Aron signs as 2025 BWT Alpine Formula One Team Reserve ...
    Paul Aron will become its 2025 Reserve Driver. The 20-year-old Estonian is currently competing in his first season of the FIA Formula 2 Championship.
  49. [49]
    F2 racer Paul Aron joins Alpine as 2025 F1 reserve driver
    Nov 30, 2024 · Alpine have confirmed that Formula 2 racer Paul Aron will join the squad as their 2025 F1 reserve driver. The 20-year-old Estonian is ...
  50. [50]
    Paul Aron Statistics and Results | Motorsport Stats
    Click here for the latest Paul Aron statistics, reports, calendar and more, covering everything from their first race to their last.
  51. [51]
    BWT Alpine Formula One Team expands on-track opportunities for ...
    Jun 30, 2025 · Since joining the team last December, Paul has been an important asset on the driver-in-loop simulator in both 2025 and 2026 car development ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
  52. [52]
    Paul Aron set to drive for Alpine in Italian Grand Prix FP1 session
    Sep 3, 2025 · Speaking about his opportunity with Alpine, Aron said that he was looking forward to his third outing in 2025. “I'm looking forward to getting ...
  53. [53]
    'To jump in and find the limit in 50 minutes is never easy' – Aron on ...
    Oct 24, 2025 · Paul Aron, a candidate for an Alpine race seat in 2026, got another ... Race Highlights: 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix. 8:06. Race ...
  54. [54]
    Kush Maini announced as Test & Reserve Driver - Alpine F1
    BWT Alpine Formula One Team is pleased to announce Alpine Academy driver Kush Maini will join the team's pool of Test and Reserve Drivers for the 2025 season.
  55. [55]
    Alpine sign Formula 2 rookie Kush Maini to Academy Programme
    Oct 24, 2023 · Alpine have announced that Formula 2 rookie Kush Maini has become the latest addition to the team's growing young driver programme.
  56. [56]
    Kush Maini - Formula 2
    Kush Maini is set for his third campaign in FIA Formula 2 and with a new team in DAMS Lucas Oil after spending his first two seasons at first Campos Racing and ...
  57. [57]
    Kush Maini switches to DAMS Lucas Oil for 2025 season - Formula 2
    Dec 9, 2024 · DAMS Lucas Oil have confirmed that Kush Maini will be driving for them in the 2025 Formula 2 season, completing their lineup for next year.
  58. [58]
    Alpine confirm Franco Colapinto as reserve driver for 2025 - Formula 1
    Jan 9, 2025 · Franco Colapinto will join Alpine as one of their reserve drivers in 2025, it has been announced, with the Argentinian racer further bolstering the team's back ...
  59. [59]
    Alpine adds Franco Colapinto as F1 reserve driver for 2025 - ESPN
    Jan 9, 2025 · Franco Colapinto has joined Alpine as a reserve driver for the upcoming Formula 1 season, the team confirmed on Thursday.Missing: Kush Maini
  60. [60]
    https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13319175/abbi-pulling-f1-academy-champion-reveals-split-with-alpine-and-confirms-rodin-motorsports-gb3-drive
  61. [61]
    https://formulascout.com/abbi-pulling-parts-from-alpine-as-she-takes-up-rodin-gb3-drive/128665
  62. [62]
    Ilie Tristan Crisan joins Alpine Academy programme - Newsroom Alpine
    ### Summary of Ilie Tristan Crisan Joining Alpine Academy
  63. [63]
    How Alpine signing a fourth F1 reserve driver replicates Briatore's ...
    Mar 14, 2025 · F2 racer Kush Maini has just joined Franco Colapinto, Ryo Hirakawa and Paul Aron in Alpine's reserve tank – but only one of them is likely to get an F1 race ...
  64. [64]
    Sukhmani Khera | Alpine Academy Driver
    Official Website of Sukhmani Khera. Feamle Indian-British Alpine Academy Driver. Racing for Fusion Motorsport in British & European Karting Championships.Missing: Crisan | Show results with:Crisan
  65. [65]
    Keanu Al Azhari - GB3 Championship
    In the 2024 F4 UAE Championship, Keanu earned two wins, five podiums and four pole positions to secure third place overall. Prior to transitioning to cars, ...
  66. [66]
    Alpine launches Rac(H)er, an ambitious programme for equal ...
    Jun 30, 2022 · The Rac(H)er programme is designed to reinforce meritocracy across genders in all areas of the company, from technical functions to racing and competition.
  67. [67]
    Alpine to support Floersch and six female karters in 2023 - The Race
    Feb 16, 2023 · The Alpine Formula 1 team has established a new karting programme to find and develop young female drivers and has added Sophia Floersch to its driver academy.
  68. [68]
    Alpine adds karter Sukhmani Khera to its academy - Formula Scout
    Feb 19, 2025 · ... karting programme in its female-focused Alpine Rac(H)er programme two years ago. She has effectively graduated from being an affiliate of ...
  69. [69]
    Aiva Anagnostiadis - F1® ACADEMY Racing Series
    In 2023, Anagnostiadis was selected as one of the six karters for the Alpine Rac(H)er Academy Programme, relocating to the UK alongside her family to pursue her ...
  70. [70]
    BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces Nina Gademan for 2025 ...
    Dec 4, 2024 · BWT Alpine Formula One Team has signed Dutch racing driver Nina Gademan as its driver selection for the 2025 F1 Academy season.
  71. [71]
    Nina Gademan lands 2025 F1 ACADEMY seat with Alpine
    Dec 4, 2024 · The 2025 F1 ACADEMY grid continues to grow, as Alpine have recruited Dutch racer Nina Gademan for next year's campaign.Missing: level | Show results with:level
  72. [72]
    What's new for F1 Academy in 2025? - Motorsport.com
    Mar 19, 2025 · There are many new additions to the grid, with 2024 wildcard entries Nina Gademan ... After forming part of the Alpine Rac(H)er Academy Program in ...
  73. [73]
    Alpine picks Nina Gademan as supported F1 Academy driver for 2025
    Dec 4, 2024 · Alpine has selected Nina Gademan as the driver it will support in F1 Academy next year. Gademan, who raced mainly in British Formula 4 this year, will take ...
  74. [74]
    F1 ACADEMY: Nina Gademan storms to maiden victory ahead of Lia ...
    Aug 30, 2025 · Everything seemed to fall into place for Alpine's Nina Gademan as she led every lap of her home race to take her first victory in F1 ACADEMY ...
  75. [75]
    Abbi Pulling: F1 Academy champion reveals split with Alpine and ...
    Mar 1, 2025 · Abbi Pulling confirmed her plans for 2025 as she moves on to the GB3 Championship; British driver dominated F1 Academy last year but will not ...Missing: departure | Show results with:departure
  76. [76]
    Abbi Pulling parts from Alpine as she takes up Rodin GB3 drive
    Feb 28, 2025 · F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling has split from the Alpine Formula 1 team as she prepares to race in GB3 with Rodin this year.
  77. [77]
    F1 Driver Development Programmes: Alpine Academy
    Sep 5, 2021 · Driver Programme History​​ From 2002-09, it was named as Renault Driver Development. In 2010, Renault sold a majority stake in the team to Genii ...Missing: founded | Show results with:founded
  78. [78]
    Kovalainen confirmed at Renault for 2007 - Autosport
    Sep 6, 2006 · "I have been a member of the Renault Driver Development programme since 2002, when I had the distant ambition of one day becoming an F1 driver.
  79. [79]
    Heikki Kovalainen F1 driver biography - RaceFans
    Every car he raced prior to Formula 1 had a Renault or Renault-derived engine, he was a member of the Renault Driver Development programme and made his debut ...
  80. [80]
    Nelson Piquet Jnr Formula 1 driver biography - RaceFans
    Biography of Formula E champion Nelson Piquet Jnr who became notorious for his role in Formula 1's 'Crashgate' scandal in 2008.Missing: Programme | Show results with:Programme
  81. [81]
    Vitaly Petrov joins Renault to become first Russian Formula One driver
    Jan 31, 2010 · Renault's new driver Vitaly Petrov has signed a deal to become the first Russian to compete in Formula One.
  82. [82]
    Renault names Ocon as F1 reserve, plus four-man academy
    Feb 3, 2016 · Ocon signed a contract with Mercedes at the end of 2015 but is now believed to have been loaned out to Renault for this F1 role. Any race ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
  83. [83]
    Esteban Ocon - F1 Driver for Haas
    Ocon bided his time, though, and after a year on the sidelines as Mercedes' reserve driver, he found his way back into a race seat for 2020 with Renault.
  84. [84]
    Pierre Gasly : “The top 3 is possible” - Kartcom
    Apr 5, 2014 · Winner of the 2013 Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, Pierre Gasly has moved up to the next level thanks to the scholarship offered by Renault Sport Technologies.<|control11|><|separator|>
  85. [85]
    Jack Doohan on why he chose Alpine over Red Bull - Feeder Series
    Jul 27, 2022 · 19-year-old Doohan joined the Red Bull Junior Team in 2017. However, in a surprise move to Alpine Academy, he joined the Enstone outfit for the 2022 season.
  86. [86]
    2023 FIA F2 Standings and Results in Motorsport - Autosport
    Drivers ; 3, Australia J. Doohan Invicta Virtuosi Racing, 168 ; 4, Japan A. Iwasa DAMS, 165 ; 5, France V. Martins ART Grand Prix, 150 ; 6, United Kingdom O.
  87. [87]
    Oscar Piastri announced as Alpine F1 Team Reserve Driver from 2022
    Nov 16, 2021 · The twenty-year-old driver joined the Academy in 2020, off the back of winning the Formula Renault Eurocup title in 2019. He stepped up to the ...
  88. [88]
    Guanyu Zhou to debut in Austrian Grand Prix - 周冠宇
    Jun 28, 2021 · Zhou, currently Test Driver for the team and Alpine Academy member since 2019, will be handed his F1 weekend debut for the first practice ...
  89. [89]
    Alpine-backed Olli Caldwell moves from F2 to marque's WEC line-up
    Feb 6, 2023 · Olli Caldwell will move from Formula 2 to the World Endurance Championship this year, driving for Alpine in the LMP2 prototype sportscar class.
  90. [90]
    Olli Caldwell - Infinity Sports Management
    This year sees Olli graduate from the acamdey and join the Alpine ELF Endurance Team for the 2023 FIA WEC Championship, competing in LMP2 machinery in ...
  91. [91]
    The Alpine A470 and its two crews unveiled for the 2023 FIA World ...
    A young hopeful from the Alpine Academy, Olli Caldwell will join these two skilled team-mates. A winner in nearly all the levels he competed in single-seater ...<|separator|>
  92. [92]
    Victor Martins - Wikipedia
    A former member of the Alpine Academy and a member of the Williams Driver Academy since 2025, he won the 2020 Formula Renault Eurocup and the 2022 FIA Formula 3 ...Career · FIA Formula 3 Championship · FIA Formula 2 Championship · Formula One
  93. [93]
    Victor Martins - Formula 3
    2022 Alpine Academy Driver, 2021 FIA Formula 3 Championship - 5th Alpine Academy Driver, 2020 Formula Renault Eurocup - Champion Renault Sport Academy Driver.
  94. [94]
    Martins: 2025 F2 season 'my last chance' to prove myself
    Mar 13, 2025 · In 2023, Martins finished fifth in the F2 drivers' championship, taking top rookie honours ahead of 2025 F1 drivers Ollie Bearman and Isack ...
  95. [95]
    Martins joins Williams after Alpine academy exit - Motorsport.com
    Mar 31, 2025 · Victor Martins has joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy following his recent exit from Alpine's counterpart. Martins had been part of ...<|separator|>
  96. [96]
    Profile | Christian Lundgaard Website
    Remained a key Renault/Alpine Academy driver during this period. 2022-Present. NTT INDYCAR SERIES. 2022 – IndyCar Rookie Season (Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing).
  97. [97]
    Arrow McLaren IndyCar signing Lundgaard has “zero interest” in F1
    Jul 24, 2024 · In tandem with his European open-wheel career, Lundgaard signed to the Renault Sport Academy in 2017 and tested its F1 car at the Hungaroring ...
  98. [98]
    Caio Collet - Wikipedia
    Collet was included in the academy's line-up when it was rebranded to the Alpine Academy in 2021. At the start of 2023, Collet was dropped from the academy.Junior racing career · IndyCar career · Formula E · Racing record
  99. [99]
    Oliver Rowland: Briton named as Renault development driver - BBC
    Apr 13, 2017 · Rowland, 24, graduated from the Renault academy and his development role will involve significant simulator time as well as track opportunities.<|control11|><|separator|>
  100. [100]
    ANALYSIS: Unpacking the Piastri-Alpine-McLaren situation ... - F1
    Sep 2, 2022 · The Contract Recognition Board (CRB) revealed that McLaren – rather than Alpine – had a valid contract with reigning F2 champion Oscar Piastri.
  101. [101]
    How Piastri changed the fate of McLaren and Alpine - ESPN
    Sep 2, 2025 · On Sept. 2, 2022, an employment tribunal confirmed what Piastri had defiantly said: he would race for McLaren, not Alpine, in 2023 on a multi- ...
  102. [102]
    The real story behind Oscar Piastri's F1 move to McLaren
    Sep 26, 2022 · The battle between McLaren and Alpine over Oscar Piastri's services for 2023 has dominated the Formula 1 news agenda over recent weeks.
  103. [103]
    The Making of Red Bull's Pierre Gasly | Formula 1®
    Jun 18, 2019 · “We raced together and used to do training camps together,” he says. ... Gasly won the Formula Renault Eurocup 2.0 title in 2013 – which was huge.Missing: Academy | Show results with:Academy
  104. [104]
    Alpine "won't stand in the way" of Zhou F1 drive at Alfa Romeo
    Sep 25, 2021 · Alpine will have no qualms if academy driver Guanyu Zhou makes his Formula 1 debut with the Alfa Romeo team next year.
  105. [105]
    Alfa Romeo signs Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou for 2022 - ESPN
    Nov 16, 2021 · Guanyu Zhou will become the first Chinese Formula One race driver next season when he joins Alfa Romeo as Valtteri Bottas' teammate.
  106. [106]
    Oscar Piastri dodged a bullet by quitting Alpine to lead F1 ...
    May 7, 2025 · Alpine racked up over £500,000 in legal fees and ultimately missed out on Piastri, who turned his back on the team that helped steer his career ...<|separator|>
  107. [107]
    https://www.speedcafe.com/piastri-f1-contract-alpine-szafnauer/
  108. [108]
    The former Alpine Academy manager and Gasly rival behind ...
    Mar 11, 2025 · Sancinéna left his role at the Alpine Academy in September 2024, and he now works with the French car brand as a customer experience manager. He ...Missing: global | Show results with:global