Alex Dunne, McLaren, Red Bull Ring, 2025

McLaren has confirmed the departure of Alex Dunne from its Driver Development Programme.

Dunne has driven for the team in two Formula 1 practice sessions this year, at the Red Bull Ring and Monza. He impressed on his debut in Austria, lapping within a tenth of a second of the team’s regular driver Oscar Piastri.

The 2022 British Formula 4 champion joined McLaren’s junior programme in May last year. He moved up to Formula 2 after a single season in FIA Formula 3, where he finished 14th.

Dunne made a strong start in Formula 2, winning the first feature race he started, in Bahrain. A second feature race victory at Imola briefly put him in the lead of the championship, though he has since fallen to fifth place.

McLaren indicated it has parted amicably with the driver, who has been released from his contract “with immediate effect.”

“It has been a pleasure to work with Alex over the last year and to have been able to contribute to his success and growth as a driver through the McLaren Driver Development programme,” said the team in a statement. “We wish Alex all the best for his career going forward.”

Dunne had previously been tipped for a move to McLaren’s rivals Red Bull, who already field Arvid Lindblad, Pepe Marti and Oliver Goethe in F2.

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He acknowledged the announcement on social media, saying: “I’ve mutually decided to part ways with the McLaren Driver Development programme.”

“I’d like to thank every individual at McLaren that has helped me develop and improve as a driver,” he continued. “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 them all the best for the future.”

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