Two drivers from the Renault Academy are no longer junior drivers for Alpine, with both Max Fewtrell and Hadrien David absent from the 2021 line-up.
Fewtrell was named as part of the Renault Sport Academy back in 2017. After winning the Formula Renault Eurocup in 2018, difficult seasons in F3 followed and the Briton did not see out last year’s championship with Hitech.
David had won the 2019 French F4 title before joining Renault but scored just one podium finish in 2020 in Formula Renault Eurocup, with a third-place finish coming at Imola.
“The Academy enters an important phase in its growth since we started the programme in 2016,” Alpine Academy Director, Mia Sharizman said.
“On paper, this year we have a very experienced line-up with seventeen victories and two championships shared between our drivers from their respective seasons last year. We have three very competitive drivers in Formula 2 this year, all of whom have proven they can win.
“For Zhou it’s his third year in the series and it’s time for him to combine his experience and potential to win the title. We also have high expectations for Christian who can challenge for the title this year having shown us all glimpses of his potential last season.
“Whilst for Oscar, who is the rookie in Formula 2 for us, enters this year with great confidence after winning the Formula 3 crown last year. Our driver pairing in Formula 3 this year is also very strong, with last year’s Eurocup champion Victor and runner-up Caio racing for MP Motorsport.
“We are very happy to welcome back Victor, who was first with us in 2018. The drivers in the Academy know what is around the corner for them within our Formula 1 structure. The opportunity will come for those who perform the best.”