McLaren has announced the sudden departure of Irish driver Alex Dunne from its Driver Development program. The decision comes as a surprise, given Dunne’s impressive performances in Formula 2 and his recent opportunities in Formula 1. Dunne, 19, had been part of McLaren’s junior ranks since early 2024 and had made a strong impression with his technical insights and maturity beyond his years.
Despite the sudden split, Dunne’s future looks promising. He has been linked with a potential move to Red Bull, with reports suggesting that Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor, has taken notice of the young driver’s talent. Dunne has already met with Marko, and while the discussions were initially for introductory purposes, speculation is rife that he could be in line for a seat with the Austrian team. Dunne currently sits fifth in the Formula 2 standings, with 130 points, and will be looking to capitalize on his momentum in the remaining rounds of the season.
The parting between McLaren and Dunne was reportedly by mutual consent, with both parties expressing gratitude for their time together. Dunne thanked McLaren for the opportunity to develop his skills, stating, “I’d like to thank every individual at McLaren that has helped me develop and improve as a driver.” McLaren’s statement echoed similar sentiments, wishing Dunne all the best for his future endeavors.
Dunne’s departure marks the second high-profile exit from McLaren’s junior program in recent times, following Gabriel Bortoleto’s exit after winning the Formula 2 title. This has raised questions about McLaren’s driver development strategy and their ability to retain top talent. With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri locked in for the foreseeable future, McLaren may need to look elsewhere to nurture young drivers.
As Dunne navigates his next move, speculation will continue to surround his potential destination. Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, is yet to confirm its driver lineup for 2026, and Dunne’s name has been linked with a potential seat. With his sights set on Formula 1, Dunne will be looking to make a strong impression in the remaining Formula 2 rounds to attract further attention from top teams.
