Jan.12 (GMM) Alex Dunne has performed down hypothesis surrounding his shock determination to depart McLaren’s driver improvement program final yr, insisting the transfer was a calculated step towards his final objective of reaching Method 1.
The Irishman’s mid-season exit in October raised eyebrows throughout the paddock, coming after a breakout rookie Method 2 marketing campaign with Rodin Motorsport and two Method 1 observe appearances for McLaren – together with a standout FP1 debut in Austria.
Chatting with Irish outlet Balls.ie, Dunne made clear that the decision was his personal, regardless of exterior assumptions about politics or stalled talks elsewhere. “For me, there’s a objective and a plan in place and that’s to be a Method 1 driver,” Dunne stated.
“From the choices that I knew I had, the choice we made was one which needed to be made to be in F1. I feel it’s so simple as that – it was really my determination.”
Dunne admitted the selection was not universally supported at house. “When my dad and I had been speaking about it, he wasn’t 100% certain,” he stated. “Usually, he’s the one who’s 100% certain.”
Now 20, Dunne’s McLaren departure was strongly linked with Purple Bull, amid a turbulent interval for the vitality drink big’s F1 program. These rumours intensified late within the yr with the departure of Dr Helmut Marko.
Dunne, in the meantime, careworn there was no fallout with McLaren and stated he’ll “at all times thank” the Zak Brown-led outfit. He has since re-signed with Rodin Motorsport for the 2026 F2 season, holding his F1 ambitions alive.
When requested whether or not one other driver academy announcement may comply with, he remained intentionally obscure. “We’ll have to attend and see,” he smiled.
