Following McLaren`s unexpected termination of Alex Dunne`s contract, Sky Sports F1 examines how the young Irish star`s free agent status could influence the Formula 1 driver market.
Shortly before the Singapore Grand Prix, McLaren abruptly announced the end of their collaboration with the 19-year-old driver, who had been part of their young talent development program for the past two years.
Given his promising debut in Austrian Grand Prix practice in June and a strong performance this season in Formula 2, Dunne seemed an ideal candidate for McLaren to retain, especially if they were to lose Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris in the coming years. His release, therefore, raised many questions.
Soon after, reports began to emerge about Red Bull`s keen interest in the young driver. Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, who plays a pivotal role in selecting drivers for both the main team and its junior squad (Racing Bulls), later confirmed that he was already in talks with Dunne`s representatives.
Rupert Hollis