Alex Dunne Exits McLaren F1 Program Amid Red Bull Speculation

Irish F2 star moves on, but Red Bull deal not yet confirmed

Formula 2 standout Alex Dunne has officially departed McLaren’s junior program, ending a collaboration that included FP1 outings in Austria and Italy. Sources indicate that discussions over Dunne’s future led to McLaren’s decision after his management declined the team’s latest offer. The split is said to be amicable and not linked to any immediate breakthrough with Red Bull.

Red Bull Eyes Dunne as a Future Prospect
Despite leaving McLaren, Dunne remains on the radar of Red Bull, with advisor Helmut Marko keeping tabs on his progress. Dunne’s impressive F2 campaign–featuring two wins, two poles, and seven podiums–has made him an attractive candidate for the Red Bull junior ladder, though insiders caution that any deal is still preliminary.

F2 Performance Highlights
Dunne has played a significant role in the F2 championship battle, climbing from fifth in recent months after leading earlier in the season. His strong racecraft and technical feedback during FP1 sessions have been praised by McLaren engineers, highlighting why top teams see him as a potential Formula 1 talent for the near future.

Red Bull 2026 Lineup Considerations
Red Bull is finalizing its 2026 driver strategy across Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls. With rookie Isack Hadjar reportedly moving up to partner Max Verstappen, three drivers–including incumbent Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, and reserve Arvid Lindblad–are in contention for the remaining seats. Dunne’s F2 performances and recent discussions with Marko suggest he could remain a viable alternative if opportunities open.

What’s Next for Dunne
While speculation about a Red Bull move is rife, it is important to note that nothing is confirmed yet. Dunne’s departure from McLaren frees him to explore options across the Formula 1 grid, leaving fans and pundits eagerly awaiting the next step in the career of this promising Irish driver.