Eire’s Alex Dunne has left McLaren’s driver improvement programme with speedy impact, saying he’s “very excited for what’s to come back”.
Formulation 2 race winner Dunne impressed on his Formulation 1 debut in Austria in June when he completed fourth in opening observe, simply 0.069 seconds behind championship chief Oscar Piastri.
By driving on the Austrian Grand Prix, he turned the primary Irish driver to take part in a Formulation 1 weekend in 22 years.
Dunne, who joined the group as improvement driver in Might 2024, additionally took half in first observe on the Italian Grand Prix in September, and McLaren mentioned it had been a “pleasure” to work with the 19-year-old.
Posting on social, Dunne mentioned he was “very excited for what’s to come back”, with an ‘eye’ emoji.
“From right this moment I’ve mutually determined to half methods with the McLaren driver improvement programme,” he mentioned.
“I might prefer to thank each particular person at McLaren that has helped me develop and enhance as a driver, to have my first alternative to drive an F1 automotive adopted by two FP1 classes is one thing I am going to at all times maintain very near my coronary heart, I want all of them one of the best for the long run. Thanks papaya household.”
Dunne has gained two function races in his rookie F2 marketing campaign, in Bahrain and Imola, however has dropped out of title rivalry after quite a few technical infringements and collisions.
The ultimate two rounds of the F2 season happen in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Alex during the last yr and to contribute to his progress as a driver,” McLaren mentioned.
“We want Alex all one of the best for his profession going ahead.”
Championship leaders McLaren don’t have any race seats obtainable for 2026 with title contenders Piastri and Lando Norris each beneath contract.
Crimson Bull have but to substantiate who will accomplice Max Verstappen or take both Racing Bulls seat, whereas Alpine are but to call who will race alongside Pierre Gasly in 2026.
