Why Red Bull is the most logical step for F2 talent Alex Dunne
Alex Dunne will probably go to the Red Bull junior programme, after the Irish driver abruptly left McLaren earlier today.
However, that's by no means a done deal. Dunne is a talented driver, so there is undoubtedly interest from multiple teams.
Nevertheless, there are signs that Red Bull will next employ the F2 driver after McLaren has released him prematurely.
Red Bull refuses to comment
GPblog has learnt that there is no agreement between Dunne and Red Bull Racing, with the team refraining from commenting.
However, it's no secret that the young driver is on the team's radar. When GPblog was first to report that, Helmut Marko said he was keeping an eye on Dunne.
If Red Bull does indeed choose Dunne, it would explain why McLaren immediately parted ways with the driver. The British team obviously doesn't want a driver to be looking at their operations before moving to their biggest competitor.
GPblog understands that an agreement could not be reached about Dunne's programme at McLaren. The Irishman was expected to compete in the Japanese Super Formula next year alongside testing with the F1 team.
More opportunities at Red Bull?
A driver would only say no to such a programme at a top team like McLaren if there was a better option available, one would think. What could that be? Possibly the promise of a seat in Formula 1; next season or soon after.
Red Bull could provide that opportunity sooner, as the Austrians have a second team with Racing Bulls - unlike McLaren, where Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have contracts signed for years. Meanwhile, Racing Bulls have two vacant seats for the upcoming season.
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