Alex Dunne Megathread

I was really surprised to see Alex Dunne leave McLaren since it seemed like a great place for him to develop. Still, it might turn out to be a smart move. This piece gives some good insight into what happened and what might be next for him. With Marko reportedly showing interest, a future with Red Bull could be a huge opportunity if it comes together.

Has he signed for the RB development programme or is this still speculation.

I seen something today about Helmut Marko saying "he isn't an option" but I don't know the source of that

I saw that too but it was (I think, anyway) from a click-baity type outlet (can't even remember the name which somewhat confirms the clickbaity-ness to me). Mentioned concern over the number of penalty pointson his licence also

I mentioned over in the Mexican Grand Prix thread that Alex Dunne was discussed extensively during FP1 radio coverage by the BBC, here is said coverage. It's interesting to hear, or rather not hear, what Andrew Benson knows about what went down between Alex's negotiating team and McLaren. I think the discussion leans towards Alex at around the 10:20 mark.

I think it's a thought I've had too, that Dunne jumped off the McLaren bus before another one had come around. So he's not in a position of strength negotiating for another program.

He might get taken up by RB (VCARB), but it'll be on their terms.

His F2 seat is with Rodin Motorsport. McLaren may have provided some sponsorship, but the majority of that was provided by Dunne himself.

The development drivers in FP1 is mandated by the FIA. Each driver has to get two sessions. Alex got two goes this year already. Not being a McLaren driver any more would have excluded him anyway.

He's definitely been unlucky with two penalties that weren't his fault. But other drivers have been penalised heavily too. Arvid Lindblad got two five place grid penalties after Monza.

I didn't say there was an upper limit, just that Alex had got his two sessions so McLaren aren't (weren't) obliged to give him more.

A lot of people, including those in the BBC in the video keep mentioning his “management team,” but as far as I know, it’s basically just his dad, Noel and that might be part of the issue. He's done a great job getting him this far, but at this level you really need professional management for the business side: contracts, negotiations, long-term planning, etc. Eg Alonso’s A14 Management who have a stable of drivers or how Verstappen and Hamilton both moved on from their dads once things got serious.

Imo, McLaren were getting annoyed with all the Red Bull rumours and wanted commitment. They gave two options: take a reserve role or do another F2 season, with WEC on the table for 2027 if no F1 seat opened up. We don’t know exactly how much Marko was in the ear while they were still at McLaren, but I’d bet it was a lot, particularly as he knew it would also annoy McLaren. And once they left, he cooled off fast, classic Marko. My guess is Noel got a bit carried away (understandably) after all the F1 buzz following Austria and may have thought they'd be lining up to sign Alex after he left.

Personally, I think Alex should’ve stayed with McLaren. That door could open sooner than people think, especially if Piastri’s situation gets increasingly tense, a lot of folks saw that coming. Now he’s stuck with no F1 backing and another make-or-break F2 season that could go either way. Rafa Camara has been announced at Invicta and looks like the clear favourite for the title. If Alex had landed in the other Invicta seat, he’d probably be right up there too.

They really need to get some professional management involved alongside Noel. I’m sure Noel’s great, but family decisions can get emotional and at this stage you need someone thinking purely in business terms.

I don’t think the F1 dream is over for Alex though. If he delivers in F2, there’s still a path into Racing Bulls or maybe Alpine, and he just needs to be in the right place when it opens. He is funded in F2 for 2 full seasons by his sponsor's, so he should be able to race without F1 backing. However that statement may have included McLaren funding so he may be short. I hope it all goes well for him but things can go pear shaped very fast, look at what happened Zak O'Sullivan.

Whatever the offer was with McLaren, it seems he was walked into an abyss of options now. F2 seats are filling up fast, the rookie FP outings at Mexico caught some eyes as well.