Jan.12 (GMM) Alex Dunne has performed down hypothesis surrounding his shock resolution 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 apply appearances for McLaren – together with a standout FP1 debut in Austria.
Talking to 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 truly my resolution.”
Dunne admitted the selection was not universally supported at house. “When my dad and I had been speaking about it, he wasn’t one hundred pc positive,” he stated. “Usually, he’s the one who’s one hundred pc positive.”
Now 20, Dunne’s McLaren departure was strongly linked with Crimson Bull, amid a turbulent interval for the vitality drink large’s F1 program. These rumours intensified late within the yr with the departure of Dr Helmut Marko.
Dunne, in the meantime, harassed there was no fallout with McLaren and stated he’ll “all the time thank” the Zak Brown-led outfit. He has since re-signed with Rodin Motorsport for the 2026 F2 season, conserving his F1 ambitions alive.
When requested whether or not one other driver academy announcement might comply with, he remained intentionally imprecise. “We’ll have to attend and see,” he smiled.
