Offaly driver Alex Dunne has parted company with McLaren’s Driver Development Programme, ending his association with the Formula 1 outfit less than 18 months after joining.
The 19-year-old signed with McLaren in May 2024, a move that was widely regarded as a breakthrough for Irish motorsport.
Since then, Dunne has gone on to achieve milestones few of his peers can match, including driving in two Formula 1 Free Practice 1 sessions this season, at the Austrian and Italian Grands Prix.
Currently in the midst of his rookie Formula 2 campaign with Rodin Motorsport, Dunne sits fifth in the championship standings with two rounds left to run.
His debut season has featured a series of eye-catching performances, underlining the raw pace and racecraft that drew McLaren’s attention in the first place.
Announcing the split on social media, Dunne struck a positive note.
“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. I wish McLaren all the best for the future… Still two important rounds left to focus on this year, very excited for what’s to come.”
McLaren’s statement described it as the end of the contract rather than a sudden break, thanking Dunne for his time and wishing him well in his career.
The departure naturally prompts questions about where Dunne goes next.
On one hand, leaving McLaren means he no longer has a direct link to Formula 1. On the other hand, it frees him up to pursue opportunities with other teams. With F1 academies expected to shuffle talent ahead of 2026, his name will almost certainly be part of the conversation.
His strong debut in F2 may also strengthen his case. Finishing inside the top five in his first season would mark him as one of the most impressive rookies on the grid, and history shows that drivers who excel at this level are rarely ignored for long.
Some observers believe Dunne could be on the radar of rival teams such as Williams, Alpine, or even Red Bull’s junior setup, all of whom will be assessing fresh talent to replenish their development pipelines. Another possibility is that he doubles down on F2, aiming for a championship challenge in 2026 — a result that could force Formula 1 teams to take notice.
For now, Dunne insists his focus is firmly on the remaining two F2 rounds. But the timing of the split, just as the next wave of driver contracts and academy spots come under review, suggests this is a big moment for him.
Ireland has not had a Formula 1 driver since Ralph Firman raced for Jordan in 2003. Dunne has long been tipped as the nation’s best chance of breaking that 20-year absence.
While parting with McLaren may seem like a setback, it could equally be the moment that opens the door to a broader range of opportunities.
Image Credit: MacLaren
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