Overview

• McLaren confirmed it has ended Dunne’s Driver Development contract and released him with immediate effect, calling the split amicable.
• Dunne impressed in FP1 outings at the Red Bull Ring and Monza, going fourth fastest on debut in Austria and lapping within a tenth of Oscar Piastri.
• The 2022 British F4 champion won F2 feature races in Bahrain and Imola, briefly led the championship, and currently sits fifth with two rounds remaining.
• Limited upward opportunity at McLaren, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on long-term deals, constrained Dunne’s path to an F1 race seat inside the team.
• Media reports highlight interest from Red Bull and links to Racing Bulls, though any move remains unconfirmed as the 2026 driver market develops.