Rising motorsport talent Alex Dunne is gearing up for his first taste of Formula E machinery, with NEOM McLaren confirming the young Irishman for next week’s rookie test in Jeddah. As the team’s newly appointed reserve and development driver, Dunne will hit the track for Thursday’s FP0 session ahead of the double-header Jeddah E-Prix weekend.
The 18-year-old has been making waves in the junior ranks, having secured two podiums in his Formula 3 debut season last year. He also boasts an impressive résumé, including a British F4 Championship title in 2022 and a runner-up finish in GB3 in 2023. Now, he’s ready to take his first steps in the all-electric racing world with one of the most prestigious teams in the paddock.
Dunne Excited for Formula E Debut
For Dunne, this opportunity represents a huge milestone in his career, as he gets behind the wheel of the GEN3 Evo machine for the first time. The young driver expressed his excitement in a statement released by McLaren:
“I’m looking forward to getting my first chance to drive the GEN3 Evo for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team next week in Jeddah. To have this opportunity through the McLaren Driver Development programme feels incredible, and I’m so grateful to the team for putting their trust in me.
“I’ve been working hard in the simulator and with the team to prepare for this test, and I can’t wait to get out to Jeddah.”
McLaren’s Faith in Dunne’s Potential
McLaren Team Principal Ian James believes that Dunne has all the tools to make an impact, highlighting the Irish driver’s dedication and promise during his time in the team’s simulator.
“I’m very pleased that Alex will have the chance to test with the team at next week’s Rookie Free Practice Session,” said James. “As our Reserve and Development Driver, Alex has already been playing a key role within the team and has been supporting us through his work in the simulator.
“Throughout his junior career, Alex has shown great promise, and I know he’ll make the most of this opportunity.”
A Stacked Rookie Field in Jeddah
Dunne isn’t the only young star set to hit the track in Jeddah, with several teams locking in their rookie drivers for the test. He joins:
- Kush Maini (Mahindra Racing)
- Zak O’Sullivan (Envision Racing)
- Mikkel Jansen (Cupra Kiro)
The remaining seven teams are yet to confirm their rookie participants, but the lineup is already shaping up to feature some of the most exciting young talents in motorsport.
With McLaren’s legendary backing and a golden opportunity to impress, Dunne’s Formula E debut could mark the beginning of a new chapter in his racing career.
