Why did Alex Dunne leave McLaren’s training program last October? For a long time, the reason behind the Irishman’s departure was unclear, but the Formula 2 driver now reveals why he waved goodbye to the team. ‘The decision we made was one that had to be taken to get into F1,’ Dunne states.
Last October, McLaren announced that Driver Development Programme racer Alex Dunne would be leaving the team immediately. The Formula 2 driver was set to join the British team’s training program in 2024 and had even participated in the first free practices in Austria and Italy in 2025. However, the reason for the Irishman’s exit remained a mystery.
Speaking to Irish outlet Balls.ie, Dunne shares his story. “For me, there is a goal and a plan, and that is to become a Formula 1 driver,” the Irish racer explains. Yet, Dunne remains cryptic. “Of the options I had, the decision we made was one that had to be taken to get into F1. For me, it felt like the right decision. I feel more than comfortable with it. I think if we keep going like this, we will end up in a good place.”
McLaren
While Dunne does not reveal what his next step in motorsport will be, he certainly does not rule out a move to another team. The Irishman emphasizes that he has closed his time at McLaren on a positive note. “Even though I’m no longer driving for the team, I will always be grateful to McLaren for what they have done for me,” Dunne says. “It was also great to spend more time with Lando (Lando Norris) and Oscar (Oscar Piastri), just to learn from them and see how they approach a weekend. I think what I learned this year will stay with me forever.”
