Irish superstar Alex Dunne signs for McLaren Development Programme

McLaren Racing yesterday announced that FIA Formula 3 driver Alex Dunne has joined the McLaren Driver Development programme.

Alex is a promising young racer having secured the 2022 British F4 Championship title with Hitech Grand Prix. The 18-year-old from Offaly, Ireland finished as vice-champion in both the 2022 Italian F4 Championship and the 2023 GB3 Championship. This notable form led to a drive with Hitech Pulse-Eight in the Macau Grand Prix, where he qualified sixth on his street circuit debut before finishing second in the qualifying race.

Alex currently competes in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with MP Motorsport. The Irishman started his season strongly, scoring his first points in his second race at the Bahrain International Circuit. Alex is pictured above with Martinius Stenshorne, who also joined the academy this week.

Stephanie Carlin, Director, F1 Business Operations, said:

“We’re pleased to announce that Alex and Martinius  have joined our Driver Development programme. They are both exciting and promising young talents within motorsport, with proven records on track in their respective junior categories including this season’s FIA Formula 3 Championship. The entire team is looking forward to welcoming Alex and Martinius to the McLaren family and we’ll be working closely to support their development within our talent pipeline.”

Alex Dunne, Driver, McLaren Driver Development, said:

“It’s an honour to join the McLaren Driver Development programme and I’m looking forward to getting started with the team. McLaren provides the perfect environment for me to develop my skillset as I continue my journey in motorsport. I’m grateful for Zak and Stephanie’s support and I’m excited to meet the rest of the team at MTC.”

About Alex Dunne:

Alex Dunne joined the McLaren Driver Development programme in May 2024.

Starting his racing career at eight years old, the Irish-born racer quickly progressed through the categories before securing his first European karting title in the 2019 WSK Champions Cup OKJ Category.

In 2021, Alex made his single-seater debut competing in the 2021 Spanish F4 Championship. It was a memorable start for the Irishman as he secured pole position on debut before finishing third in his first start for Pinnacle Motorsport.

Alex continued to show his promising talent as he picked up a combined 16 race wins across the British, UAE and Italian Formula 4 Championships while racing for Hitech Grand Prix and US Racing. His impressive form saw Alex crowned the 2022 British F4 Champion as well as the Italian F4 Championship vice-champion.

The 2023 campaign saw Alex crowned vice-champion in the GB3 Championship with five victories and eight podiums to his name. This led to a drive with Hitech Pulse-Eight in the Macau Grand Prix where he qualified sixth on his street circuit debut before finishing second in the qualifying race.