Alex Dunne Leaves McLaren, Hints at Exciting Future
Irish Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne has split from McLaren’s Driver Development Programme, dropping a major hint about his future plans.
“Still two important rounds left to focus on this year, very excited for what’s to come,” Dunne teased on social media Thursday.
The announcement comes as Dunne sits fifth in the F2 championship standings, just 58 points behind leader Leonardo Fornaroli with two rounds remaining.
Sources at GPblog understand the talented young driver is likely headed to the Red Bull junior programme.
Dunne took to Instagram to confirm the split, describing it as a mutual decision.
“I’d like to thank every individual at McLaren that has helped me develop and improve as a driver,” he wrote.
His time with McLaren gave him his first taste of Formula 1 machinery – an experience he clearly treasures.
“To have my first opportunity to drive an F1 car followed by two FP1 sessions is something I’ll always hold very close to my heart,” Dunne added. “I wish them all the best for the future. Thank you Papaya family.”
Red Bull’s interest in the Irishman has been building for some time.
When asked about Dunne, Red Bull’s notoriously hard-to-impress advisor Helmut Marko told GPblog: “We are talking with all fast drivers and he is fast.”
That’s high praise from a man known for his brutal honesty about driver talent.
Representatives from Red Bull have already met with Dunne’s management team, with both sides showing interest in working together.
However, as of today, no formal agreement has been reached between Dunne and Red Bull.
The young driver now faces the challenge of staying focused on the final two F2 rounds while his future gets sorted behind the scenes.
For a driver his age, balancing championship aspirations with career-defining team decisions is no small feat.
Whatever happens next, Dunne’s performance this season has clearly caught the attention of F1’s top talent spotters.
