Is McLaren Losing Another Star to Red Bull’s Rising Empire?
In a shocking turn of events that could reshape the Formula 2 landscape, Alex Dunne has officially announced his departure from McLaren’s driver development program, sending ripples through the motorsport community. This unexpected decision comes at a pivotal moment in the F2 season, with speculation mounting about the young Irish driver’s potential move to the Red Bull Racing fold.
Red Bull is on the prowl, eyeing promising talents to bolster its already formidable roster of young drivers. The names Arvid Lindblad, Pepe Martí, and Oliver Goethe have been in the spotlight, all vying for a coveted seat in the Red Bull Racing team by 2026. However, the imminent switch of Dunne could dramatically alter the trajectory of these rising stars.
Dunne, a mere 19 years old, is currently fifth in the championship standings, leading competitors like Martí and Lindblad, with two victories under his belt and two races remaining. He took to social media to express his gratitude to McLaren for the opportunities they provided, including his debut in Formula 1 during the free practice sessions in Monza and Austria. Despite his successful stint, Dunne has made it clear that his focus is now squarely on finishing his F2 season strong, but the whispers of a Red Bull connection are getting louder, with Helmut Marko reportedly keen on bringing him into the fold.
Who is this rising star, Alex Dunne? Born in 2005 in Clonbollogue, County Offaly, Dunne is heralded as Ireland’s next big motorsport sensation. The son of former driver Noel Dunne, he has crafted an impressive career trajectory, quickly ascending through the ranks of karting, where he clinched the WSK Champions Cup in 2019. His foray into single-seaters began in 2021, racing in the Spanish and German Formula 4 championships before catapulting into the limelight as the 2022 British Formula 4 champion. That year, he also secured second place in the Italian F4 and ranked fourth in the UAE F4.
Dunne’s promising journey continued, finishing as vice-champion in the GB3 Championship in 2023 and delivering consistent performances in Formula 3 in 2024. His relationship with McLaren deepened as he joined their development program, taking on reserve and developmental roles in Formula E. In 2025, he made his debut in Formula 2 with Rodin Motorsport, winning races and positioning himself as a title contender, while also making history as the first Irish driver in over two decades to participate in F1 free practice sessions, driving for McLaren in Austria.
But what’s the underlying problem for McLaren? The reality is stark: the team is struggling to create pathways for emerging talent. With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both under 25, the team’s lineup is relatively young, leaving scant opportunities for new drivers like Dunne. In contrast, Red Bull boasts double the seats, presenting a more appealing prospect for ambitious racers. This issue is not just unique to McLaren; other teams like Mercedes, Williams, Haas, and Alpine are also locked into long-term plans with their current drivers. Meanwhile, teams like Ferrari and Aston Martin are fielding veterans nearing the end of their careers, but still capable of delivering exceptional performance.
As the dust settles on Dunne’s departure from McLaren, one thing is clear: the door to Red Bull is wide open, and the opportunities are ripe for the taking. For drivers like Dunne, it’s a golden chance, and it remains to be seen how this potential move will reshape the future of Formula 1 and the careers of those involved. Keep your eyes peeled—this is just the beginning of a thrilling new chapter in the world of motorsport!