Alex Dunne Says Leaving McLaren Was His Call to Boost F1 Path

Overview

• Dunne told Balls.ie it was "100%" his decision to depart, describing it as part of a plan to secure a full-time Formula 1 seat.
• McLaren branding was removed from his F2 car after the October split, and he enters 2026 without a contract with any F1 team.
• He will race a second F2 season with Rodin Motorsport after a rookie campaign that included two wins, eight podiums, and fifth in the standings.
• Coverage notes McLaren’s established pairing of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, which limits near-term opportunities for a junior graduate.
• Speculation about a Red Bull deal did not lead to an agreement, and separate reports reference unconfirmed talks with Alpine.