McLaren Sack Driver Amid Red Bull Interest

McLaren has officially ended its association with Irish driver Alex Dunne, bringing an end to the youngster’s two-year stint in their driver development program.



The announcement came ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, confirming that the 19-year-old would be leaving the British outfit.



Dunne has been one of the most promising names to emerge in the junior ranks, currently competing in Formula 2, where he has already secured two victories in his rookie season.



During his time with McLaren, Dunne was given the opportunity to drive in Formula 1 machinery, participating in FP1 sessions at both the Austrian and Italian Grands Prix.







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He impressed by setting the fourth-fastest time in Austria and a respectable 16th in Monza, showcasing his adaptability and pace in top-tier cars.



Despite this, McLaren’s established driver lineup of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri has left no available seat for the young talent to progress within the team.



With no clear path forward, Dunne’s departure was announced as a mutual decision, leaving him free to explore opportunities elsewhere in Formula 1.



Red Bull Confirm Interest in Dunne



Speculation quickly followed that Red Bull Racing, known for its aggressive recruitment of young talent, had expressed interest in signing Dunne.



Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed in a recent interview that the team has indeed initiated contact with the Irish driver.



Speaking to Sky Sports Germany , Marko said: “Alex Dunne is a very fast, aggressive, young driver. That makes him a good fit for Red Bull.



“And because he’s absolutely free now, revoked by mutual agreement with McLaren, that’s someone we will talk to for sure.”



Red Bull’s driver development system is renowned for producing top-tier talent, including current world champion Max Verstappen and several other F1 graduates.



If Dunne were to join the Red Bull setup, he could find himself competing either at the main team or with their sister outfit, Racing Bulls, depending on how the team’s lineup evolves.



Possible Shake-Up in Red Bull’s 2026 Line-Up



Dunne’s potential arrival comes at a time of growing uncertainty within Red Bull’s driver structure.



Following his standout podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, young Frenchman Isack Hadjar has been tipped as a strong contender for a seat alongside Max Verstappen in 2026.



Such a move could see current driver Yuki Tsunoda lose his spot at Red Bull, despite his loyal service to the team and solid performances in recent seasons.



Tsunoda currently sits 17th in the championship standings with 20 points, trailing Verstappen by a massive 253-point margin.



While his future remains uncertain, a demotion back to Racing Bulls alongside Liam Lawson is one possibility if his results do not improve over the final rounds of the season.



However, with both Alex Dunne and fellow F2 driver Arvid Lindblad waiting in the wings, even a Racing Bulls seat may be difficult for Tsunoda to retain.



The team’s emphasis on young, aggressive, and data-driven drivers could see a new wave of talent injected into Red Bull’s 2026 project.



Dunne’s Next Move Could Define His F1 Future



For Alex Dunne, joining Red Bull’s program could mark a significant step forward in his career.



The Austrian team’s history of promoting young drivers to Formula 1 has proven successful, though it is also notoriously demanding.



With his proven speed, racecraft, and experience in both F2 and F1 sessions, Dunne may well fit the Red Bull mould perfectly.



Whether he secures a development role, a Racing Bulls seat, or even a long-term pathway to Red Bull Racing itself, the next few months could be decisive for the young Irishman’s future.
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