McLaren confirm driver REPLACEMENT in...

McLaren confirm driver REPLACEMENT in…read more

McLaren has made an important update to their driver lineup with the announcement of a driver replacement for the 2024/2025 Formula E season. The news comes as part of the finalization of McLaren’s broader driver plans, which include both Formula 1 and Formula E. The British motorsport team has enjoyed a successful 2024 campaign in F1, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri propelling them to their first constructors’ championship win since 1998. Both drivers are now focused on competing for the drivers’ championship in the 2025 season.

McLaren’s driver development programme extends well beyond F1, reflecting the team’s focus on the future. The programme includes a variety of young talents, with drivers like Ugo Ugochukwu, Pato O’Ward, and Bianca Bustamante being part of McLaren’s long-term plans. In addition to these names, 19-year-old Irish driver Alex Dunne is also part of McLaren’s talent pipeline and has now been given a new role in the team.

Dunne’s promotion comes as part of a reshuffling in McLaren’s Formula E lineup. The NEOM McLaren Formula E team recently made the decision to promote Taylor Barnard, a reserve driver, to a full-time position alongside Sam Bird for the 2024/2025 season. Barnard had previously stepped in for Bird when the latter was sidelined due to injury last season. However, Barnard’s elevation to a permanent seat left an open spot on the roster for a reserve and development driver. To fill this gap, McLaren has decided to promote Alex Dunne from the Formula 3 ranks to this crucial role.

Dunne expressed his excitement about this new opportunity, emphasizing the importance of the role within McLaren’s driver development programme. In an official statement, Dunne said, “I’m excited to be joining the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team as reserve and development driver. Working with NEOM McLaren as part of my experience in the McLaren Driver Development programme is an excellent opportunity to hone my skills. I’m looking forward to doing what I can to support the team and learn as much as possible.”

In his new role, Dunne will be tasked with stepping in for either Barnard or Bird should either of them face issues during the season, offering valuable support to the team while gaining experience in the high-level Formula E environment. His promotion highlights McLaren’s commitment to fostering new talent, with Dunne poised to learn from some of the most experienced figures in the motorsport world.

Formula E fans are eagerly anticipating the next round of action, with the Mexico E-Prix set to take place this weekend. This race will be the second round of the latest season, and it is expected to be an exciting contest. For Dunne, this new role with NEOM McLaren represents an important step in his development as a driver and provides him with a unique opportunity to gain experience in one of the most competitive motorsport series in the world.

With a focus on both immediate and long-term success, McLaren’s driver development programme continues to grow and evolve. Alex Dunne’s promotion reflects the team’s strategic approach to securing top talent and building a strong future for their motorsport endeavours across various series.