Breaking News: McLaren confirm driver REPLACEMENT in official announcement…read more
McLaren Announce Driver Reshuffle with Alex Dunne’s Promotion
McLaren has officially confirmed a driver change within their Formula E team, further strengthening their plans for the future. This announcement comes as the team finalizes its 2025 lineup across various motorsport disciplines, aiming to build on its recent success.
In Formula 1, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri delivered a spectacular season in 2024, propelling the team to its first Constructors’ Championship victory since 1998. Both drivers are now set to focus on individual title aspirations in the 2025 season. However, McLaren’s ambitions extend far beyond Formula 1. Their driver development program is nurturing young talents such as Ugo Ugochukwu, Bianca Bustamante (representing the team in the F1 Academy), and IndyCar star Pato O’Ward.
Among these rising stars is 19-year-old Irish driver Alex Dunne, who has now earned a significant role in the NEOM McLaren Formula E team. Dunne, a Formula 3 racer, has been promoted to the position of reserve and development driver for the 2024/25 Formula E season. This opportunity arose following the recent reshuffle that saw Taylor Barnard elevated to a full-time race seat alongside Sam Bird. Barnard had previously served as the team’s reserve driver and stepped in for Bird during an injury setback last season. His impressive performance earned him a permanent spot on the roster, leaving the reserve role vacant.
Dunne expressed his enthusiasm for his new role in an official statement, highlighting the value of working within McLaren’s Driver Development program. “I’m excited to be joining the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team as reserve and development driver,” said Dunne. “This opportunity will allow me to hone my skills, support the team, and learn as much as possible from this experience.”
McLaren’s focus on developing young talent reflects their long-term vision for success across motorsport. By integrating promising drivers into competitive roles, the team ensures a seamless transition of talent as opportunities arise. Dunne’s new responsibilities will involve supporting the team both on and off the track, preparing to step in for either Sam Bird or Taylor Barnard if needed during the season.
The NEOM McLaren Formula E team also took to social media to welcome Dunne, stating, “We are pleased to confirm that alongside his McLaren Driver Development duties, Alex Dunne will join the team as the official Reserve and Development Driver for Season 11 of @FIAFormulaE.”
This announcement coincides with the ongoing Formula E season, which continues this weekend with the popular Mexico E-Prix. Fans are eager to see how McLaren’s lineup reshuffle impacts their performance as they aim to remain competitive in the electric racing series.
Dunne’s promotion is yet another example of McLaren’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of racing talent while striving for excellence across all their motorsport endeavors.
About The Author
