Former McLaren driver explains cause of unexpected exit

Former McLaren junior driver Alex Dunne has explained that his unexpected exit from the Woking-based outfit was "100%" his decision.

It was announced at the start of last October that the Irishman had left McLaren’s driver development programme, ending his association with the papaya squad.

After joining in May 2024, McLaren fielded Dunne in first practice ahead of last season’s Austrian Grand Prix, before he made a second appearance at Monza.

Upon the announcement of Dunne’s exit from McLaren, the Formula 2 driver stated that it was a "mutual decision" to split.

With immediate effect, McLaren’s livery was removed from his F2 car, with Dunne set to compete in the junior category for a second time this year.

According to Dunne, his departure from McLaren was made with the intention of reaching Formula 1, which remains the ultimate goal of his racing career.

"For me, there's a goal and a plan in place and that's to be a Formula One driver," Dunne explained to balls.ie. 

"From the options that I knew I had, the decision we made was one that had to be made to be in F1.

"I think it's as simple as that, it was actually my decision. When my dad and I were talking about it, he wasn't 100% sure. Normally, he's the one who is 100% sure!

"For me, I felt like it was the right decision. I'm more than comfortable with that. I think, moving forward, we should be in an alright place."