By:
Conor Martin
Irish Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne has left motorsport giants McLaren in a shock move that has turned heads in the racing world.
The Offaly native Formula 2 driver, who was part of McLaren’s driver development programme, has already impressed in Formula 1 previously and made his debut in Austria in June, finishing fourth in first practice, just 0.069 seconds behind championship leader Oscar Piastri.
Dunne won two feature races in his rookie F2 campaign, but after such a promising start, technical infringements and collisions have cost him his shot at glory.
Dunne has the potential to have a great career in Formula One, but it’s clear he had to eventually move on if he wants to make it in the big time properly.
Why did Alex Dunne move on from McLaren?
McLaren Racing has ended its contract with McLaren Driver Development Programme member Alex Dunne.
It has been a pleasure to work with Alex over the last year and to contribute to his growth as a driver.
We wish Alex all the best for his career going forward.#McLaren pic.twitter.com/Ll46rVgF8l
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) October 2, 2025
It’s reported McLaren had wanted the Irishman with them for the foreseeable future; however, the sticking point is that the seats in their F1 team are occupied by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and that is unlikely to change anytime soon.
Piastri is leading the world championship with seven races to go heading into this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix and is committed to them at least to the end of 2026, since he signed an extended “long-term” contract with the team in March.
McLaren paid tribute to Dunne’s efforts with the following statement: “It has been a pleasure to work with Alex over the last year and to contribute to his growth as a driver.
“We wish Alex all the best for his career going forward.”
So, as mentioned, a clean break is the only way Dunne can drive on with his career, so to speak.
What’s next for the talented Irish driver after McLaren Exit?
Following McLaren’s announcement that he has left McLaren, driver Dunne also took to social media and said, “Very excited for what’s to come.”
“From today, I’ve mutually decided to part ways with the McLaren driver development programme,” he said.
“I’d like to thank every individual at McLaren that has helped me develop and improve as a driver; 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. Thank you, papaya family.”
The rumours circling around his future is close that he is close to a deal to join Red Bull’s driver development programme although a spokesman for Red Bull tried to quieten the rumours by saying: “Alex is a talented driver and will be of interest to many in the paddock but Red Bull will only comment on drivers who are signed to the Red Bull programme.”
Dunne had been in talks with Alpine about a potential F1 move, but that has now fallen through.
If the Red Bull deal is signed, he would continue for a second season in F2 with the chance to graduate to F1 with their second team Racing Bulls in 2027.
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