Former Alpine Junior Victor Martins Breaks Silence After Surprise Split
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Former Alpine Junior Victor Martins Breaks Silence After Surprise Split
Victor Martins, a former Alpine junior driver, has addressed his unexpected departure from the team's driver academy. The French racer, who had been with the Enstone-based outfit for several years, confirmed that his goals no longer aligned with the team’s vision, leading to the split ahead of the 2025 season.
Victor Martins' Departure from Alpine
Martins, who first linked up with the Renault team (now Alpine) in 2018, has been a significant part of their driver academy. After his initial release in 2019, he returned to the rebranded Alpine Academy, where he enjoyed success, notably clinching the F3 title in 2022. However, after a less-than-stellar 2024 season in Formula 2 (F2), where he finished seventh in the standings, Martins decided to part ways with Alpine once again.
In an exclusive interview with PlanetF1.com, Martins discussed the reasons behind his departure. He explained that his career aspirations no longer aligned with the goals of Alpine. He stated: “I don’t want to spend time on this, if I’m honest. We have parted ways. We didn’t actually speak about it because we didn’t want [to continue] on both sides because, in the end, let’s say my goal and their goal were not on the same line and that’s why we wanted to part ways.”
Martins emphasized that he was now fully focused on his upcoming F2 season with ART Grand Prix, with no further comments about his past with Alpine. “But in the end, the past doesn’t matter. It’s only the future. I see my F2 season coming really quickly with ART and I’m fully focused on this,” he added.
Alpine Junior Abbi Pulling Also Leaves the Team
Martins is not the only Alpine junior to depart recently. Fellow driver Abbi Pulling, a dominant force in the all-female F1 Academy series, has also announced her split with Alpine ahead of the 2025 season. Pulling, who won nine races and finished on the podium in every round of the F1 Academy in 2024, has moved on to a fully funded drive in the GB3 series with Rodin Motorsport for 2025.
Pulling’s success in F1 Academy, including a championship-winning season, has earned her a significant opportunity in the GB3 series. In a statement, she expressed excitement for the next chapter of her career, saying: “I’m really excited to extend my relationship with Rodin Cars and become an ambassador for the brand. We have already had some brilliant success together in British F4 and F1 Academy and I can’t wait for what’s to come in this next chapter as I take on GB3 with the team.”
Pulling also confirmed her decision not to renew her contract with Alpine, thanking the team for their support. “After our championship-winning season in F1 Academy and after lengthy discussions, I have decided not to renew with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team. A huge thank you to everyone at the team, from those at the factory to the incredible partners and sponsors, for all their support along the way. I’ve met some amazing people and made memories that will stay with me forever,” Pulling said.
Alpine's Response to Departures
In response to both Martins and Pulling’s departures, Alpine expressed their pride in the achievements of the two young drivers. On social media, Alpine posted: “We’re so proud of all that you have achieved during your time with us. It has been amazing to see you grow and develop and we wish you the best of luck for the future and will continue to closely follow your progress.”
Looking Ahead: The Future for Victor Martins and Abbi Pulling
As Martins prepares for his third full season in F2 with ART Grand Prix, his focus is firmly set on his future, where he aims to continue his development and fight for the championship. His split with Alpine has allowed him to shift his focus to this upcoming season, with hopes of returning to the F1 grid in the near future.
Meanwhile, Pulling’s move to GB3 signals a promising new chapter in her career, where she will continue to showcase her talents on a new stage. After a stellar season in F1 Academy, she has shown that she is ready for the next level of competition, and her partnership with Rodin Motorsport could prove to be a fruitful one in the 2025 season.
Conclusion: A New Era for Both Martins and Pulling
The departures of Victor Martins and Abbi Pulling from Alpine mark a significant shift in both drivers' careers. While Alpine may have lost two promising talents, Martins and Pulling are now focused on their respective futures, eager to continue progressing in their motorsport journeys. As both drivers aim for success in 2025, it will be fascinating to watch how their careers unfold in the coming years.
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