McLaren has announced it has parted ways with junior driver Alex
Dunne with immediate effect. Dunne joined McLaren's junior
programme last year during his rookie season in Formula 3, before
progressing to Formula 2 this year. The Irishman has enjoyed a
positive first season in the category, taking two race wins, two
pole positions and seven podium results. However, with just two
rounds remaining in the F2 campaign, McLaren has announced it has
ended its association with Dunne. RacingNews365 understands that
the team and driver were not aligned on the future direction of his
racing career. “McLaren Racing has ended its contract with McLaren
Driver Development Programme member Alex Dunne,” read a statement
from the team. “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. “Alex will be released with immediate effect. We wish
Alex all the best for his career going forward.” Dunne made his F1
test debut in May earlier this year at Zandvoort, driving the
McLaren MCL60 from the 2023 season. At the Austrian Grand Prix, he
took part in FP1 and impressed with a lap time that placed him in
fourth, less than a tenth away from championship leader Oscar
Piastri. Dunne had a second practice outing at the Italian Grand
Prix last month. He currently sits fifth in the F2 drivers'
standings. The 19-year-old released his own statement on Instagram,
highlighting he is “excited for what's to come“ in his future.
“From today, I’ve mutually decided to part ways with the McLaren
Driver Development programme,” Dunne posted. “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. Still two important rounds left to focus on this
year, very excited for what’s to come.”
Dunne with immediate effect. Dunne joined McLaren's junior
programme last year during his rookie season in Formula 3, before
progressing to Formula 2 this year. The Irishman has enjoyed a
positive first season in the category, taking two race wins, two
pole positions and seven podium results. However, with just two
rounds remaining in the F2 campaign, McLaren has announced it has
ended its association with Dunne. RacingNews365 understands that
the team and driver were not aligned on the future direction of his
racing career. “McLaren Racing has ended its contract with McLaren
Driver Development Programme member Alex Dunne,” read a statement
from the team. “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. “Alex will be released with immediate effect. We wish
Alex all the best for his career going forward.” Dunne made his F1
test debut in May earlier this year at Zandvoort, driving the
McLaren MCL60 from the 2023 season. At the Austrian Grand Prix, he
took part in FP1 and impressed with a lap time that placed him in
fourth, less than a tenth away from championship leader Oscar
Piastri. Dunne had a second practice outing at the Italian Grand
Prix last month. He currently sits fifth in the F2 drivers'
standings. The 19-year-old released his own statement on Instagram,
highlighting he is “excited for what's to come“ in his future.
“From today, I’ve mutually decided to part ways with the McLaren
Driver Development programme,” Dunne posted. “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. Still two important rounds left to focus on this
year, very excited for what’s to come.”
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