Alex Dunne Departs McLaren’s Development Program
Irish driver Alex Dunne has officially departed from McLaren’s driver development program effective immediately. He expressed excitement about future opportunities in a statement following his exit.
Alex Dunne’s Career Highlights
Dunne, who made a significant impact during his Formula 1 debut in Austria this June, finished fourth in opening practice. His performance came within 0.069 seconds of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. This achievement made him the first Irish driver in 22 years to participate in a Formula 1 weekend.
Timeline of Events
- May 2024: Alex Dunne joins McLaren as a development driver.
- June 2024: Competes in Formula 1 debut at the Austrian Grand Prix.
- September 2024: Participates in first practice at the Italian Grand Prix.
McLaren’s Support and Acknowledgment
McLaren responded positively to Dunne’s departure, stating it was a pleasure to support his development as a driver. They acknowledged his contributions over the past year and wished him success in his future endeavors.
Future Prospects
At just 19 years old, Dunne has already achieved notable success in his rookie Formula 2 season, including victories at two feature races in Bahrain and Imola. However, recent technical issues and collisions have affected his title aspirations. The last two rounds of the Formula 2 season are scheduled for Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Dunne’s departure from McLaren’s program comes at a time when the team has no available seats for the 2026 season, with Piastri and Lando Norris both under contract. Meanwhile, Red Bull and Alpine are yet to finalize their lineups for next season.
Conclusion
Alex Dunne’s decision to part ways with McLaren marks a new chapter in his racing career. His impressive track record in both Formula 1 and Formula 2 suggests that he will be a driver to watch in the coming years.
