A bombshell in Formula 1: McLaren and young talent Alex Dunne have parted ways with immediate effect – What the future might hold for the 19-year-old
19-year-old Alex Dunne has no future at McLaren: On Thursday, the traditional British racing team announced in a brief statement that it was parting ways with its promising young talent with immediate effect!
“McLaren Racing has terminated its contract with McLaren Driver Development Programme member Alex Dunne,” the statement said. “It has been a pleasure to work with Alex over the past year and to contribute to his success and development as a driver through the McLaren Driver Development Program.”
It continued: “Alex is released with immediate effect. We wish Alex all the best for his future career.” The sudden departure comes as a surprise, especially since Dunne has already sat in the McLaren twice this year: He was allowed to take part in the first practice session in both Austria and Italy. The 19-year-old Irishman made an immediate impression: at the Red Bull Ring, Dunne finished fourth, just 0.224 seconds behind his teammate Oscar Piastri, and even earned praise from team boss Andrea Stella.
Dunne with no chance of a fast McLaren cockpit
The exact reasons for the sudden split are unknown. However, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, McLaren has two strong drivers on the team who have committed to the team for the long term, so Dunne would have had little chance of a quick promotion to Formula 1 anyway.
It is quite possible that he has already found an alternative, or is at least looking for one. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has also put out feelers and even held initial talks, although Red Bull has another talent in its own ranks in Arvid Lindblad.
A decision on who will drive for Red Bull and Racing Bulls in Formula 1 in 2026 could be made at the end of October. According to information from Motorsport.com, however, the split between Dunne and McLaren has nothing to do with the Bulls.
Does Alex Dunne have a chance at Red Bull?
Instead, Dunne is said to have turned down an offer from McLaren, prompting the team to end the collaboration. On his Instagram account, the 19-year-old speaks of a “mutually agreed” separation and thanks “everyone at McLaren who helped me develop as a driver.”
“My first opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car, followed by two FP1 sessions, is something I will always carry close to my heart,” Dunne writes. “I wish them all the best for the future. Thank you, Papaya family.”
The Irishman is racing in Formula 2 this year, where, after some bad luck and self-inflicted mistakes, he is only fifth in the overall standings, but still ahead of Red Bull junior Lindblad.
Nevertheless, he has no chance in the battle for this year’s Formula 2 title. “There are still two important races to come, which I will focus on this year,” said Dunne, who is keeping quiet about his future: “I am very excited to see what lies ahead.”
For Dunne, Red Bull seems to be one of the few realistic options to accelerate his path to Formula 1. Alpine is the only other team that still has a cockpit available for 2026, but according to information from Motorsport.com, Dunne is not on Enstone’s radar.
