Written by Jacob Awcock, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
McLaren junior driver Alex Dunne has been announced as McLaren’s development and reserve driver for the 2024-25 Formula E campaign. The Irishman continues his links with McLaren having joined their driver development programme during his debut Formula 3 campaign in 2024.
Dunne commenced his racing career when he was just eight, claiming his first European Karting trophy in 2019.
Two years later, he made the jump into single-seaters, competing for Hitech and US Racing, claiming 16 wins across the British, Spanish, UAE and Italian F4 championships. 2022 saw Dunne claim championship glory in British F4 and the runner-up spot in Italian F4.
Following his championship success, the Irishman switched over to the UK, finishing runner-up in the GB3 series, falling just short of eventual champion Callum Voisin. He claimed seven podiums, five of his appearances being at the top step of the podium.
The following year, Dunne stepped up to Formula 3 with MP Motorsport. He finished 14th overall, scoring a respectable 50 points, spearheaded by sprint podiums at Barcelona and Monza.
Whether Dunne will have a full-time drive in 2025 remains unknown; his impressive Formula 3 debut season landed a post-season F2 test with Rodin Motorsport, who are yet to announce their second driver for 2025. Nothing has been confirmed by either party, though.
“I’m looking forward to doing what I can to support the team and learn as much as possible,” the Irishman expressed. “I’m excited to work with the team as part of my experience in the McLaren driver development programme, and it is an excellent opportunity to hone my skills”.
Team principal Ian James echoed the excitement saying “I am delighted to welcome Alex to the team as the team's Reserve and Development Driver.
“Alex is an up-and-coming talent in single-seater motorsport and has been part of the McLaren Driver Development programme since last season, through which we have been able to follow his progress and development. The team are looking forward to working with him in 2025.”
“Alex will play an important role within our team, adding value to the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team with his drive and talent, while also gaining experience himself along the way.”
McLaren has had a strong start to the 2024-25 Formula E season, topping the team's standings following the opening round in São Paulo which saw rookie Taylor Barnard secure third, while teammate Sam Bird finished just behind in fourth.
The Woking-based team will be looking to replicate this success and extend their lead at the top of the table, as Formula E returns to action in Mexico City this weekend.
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