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McLaren “dropped the ball” by opting to part ways with junior driver Alex Dunne, according to former F1 driver Derek Daly.

Last week, McLaren announced it had ended its contract with Dunne after almost 18 months in partnership.

Dunne took part in a series of private tests with the Woking-based squad as well as two FP1 sessions this year in Austria and Italy, respectively.

The split is believed to stem from the two parties not being aligned over the Irishman's future.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who oversees the company's junior programme, has revealed it has held talks with Dunne following his exit from McLaren.

With two Racing Bulls seats open for next year in F1, Dunne has been linked with one of the drives - a situation Daly believes his compatriot would thrive in.

“Alex Dunne, I know, has the utmost confidence and faith in his own driving abilities,” Daly exclusively told RacingNews365.

“He’s prepared to jump in if a seat is presented to him. Red Bull has to be cognizant of the fact of ‘look, let's make sure we don't make another mistake and throw drivers in and out’.

In order for Dunne to be granted a super licence that will allow for a full-time move to F1, he must finish at least third in the Formula 2 drivers’ championship, an achievement Daly stated he is “capable of doing.”

Dunne currently sits fifth with two rounds remaining.

With both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri tied down to long-term deals at McLaren, there was no obvious route to a full-time move to the team in the near future for Dunne.

However, Daly criticised McLaren for letting the 19-year-old leave, insisting it made “no sense” to allow him to walk away.

“The great thing is that Red Bull recognises there's a fast, aggressive Red Bull-type of driver,” Daly said.

“He's now become available on the market, which I think was a huge mistake by McLaren.

“I think Red Bull is going to try and grab him to give him a chance to develop into what he can be.

“It’s the best scenario for Alex. But I can't believe that McLaren dropped the ball and let him go.

“Somebody, someday, will have to answer that question, because it absolutely makes no sense.”

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