Dunne's Decision to Leave McLaren Explained

(GMM) Alex Dunne (pictured) has played down speculation surrounding his shock decision to leave McLaren’s driver development program last year, insisting the move was a calculated step toward his ultimate goal of reaching Formula 1.

The Irishman’s mid-season exit in October raised eyebrows across the paddock, coming after a breakout rookie Formula 2 campaign with Rodin Motorsport and two Formula 1 practice appearances for McLaren – including a standout FP1 debut in Austria.

Speaking to Irish outlet Balls.ie, Dunne made clear that the call was his own, despite external assumptions about politics or stalled talks elsewhere. “For me, there’s a goal and a plan in place and that’s to be a Formula 1 driver,” Dunne said.

“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.”

Dunne admitted the choice was not universally supported at home. “When my dad and I were talking about it, he wasn’t 100 percent sure,” he said. “Normally, he’s the one who is 100 percent sure.”

Now 20, Dunne’s McLaren departure was strongly linked with Red Bull, amid a turbulent period for the energy drink giant’s F1 program. Those rumors intensified late in the year with the departure of Dr Helmut Marko.

Dunne, meanwhile, stressed there was no fallout with McLaren and said he’ll “always thank” the Zak Brown-led outfit. He has since re-signed with Rodin Motorsport for the 2026 F2 season, keeping his F1 ambitions alive.

When asked whether another driver academy announcement could follow, he remained deliberately vague. “We’ll have to wait and see,” he smiled.