Red Bull Split Over Move for F2 Sensation Alex Dunne Amid Concerns About Readiness
Red Bull Racing’s driver recruitment plans have hit a stumbling block as internal disagreements emerge over whether to sign rising Formula 2 star Alex Dunne. The Irish driver, who recently cut ties with the McLaren junior programme, remains without a clear future in Formula 1 despite a season marked by flashes of brilliance and raw speed.
Dunne’s departure from McLaren came unexpectedly earlier this year, raising eyebrows across the F1 paddock. The 19-year-old has shown impressive form in his rookie Formula 2 campaign, claiming two victories and finishing on the podium five additional times. His performances have positioned him as one of the most promising young drivers on the grid, catching the attention of several F1 outfits — most notably Red Bull.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s long-time motorsport advisor and head of its driver development programme, publicly confirmed that discussions had taken place with Dunne. Marko even described him as a “Red Bull-type driver,” referring to the team’s preference for bold, aggressive racers with natural pace and a hunger for victory. However, despite Marko’s praise, it appears the Red Bull camp is not unified in its stance.
Reports from RacingNews365 and Formula.hu suggest that not everyone within Red Bull shares Marko’s enthusiasm. While the Austrian team recognizes Dunne’s potential, some insiders have raised questions about his discipline and readiness for the top tier of motorsport. The young driver has accumulated 10 penalty points on his FIA super licence — an unusually high number for a rookie — largely due to on-track incidents and judgment errors. Those points have reportedly triggered caution among Red Bull’s management, who are wary of investing in a driver that could prove inconsistent under pressure.
Sources indicate that the original proposal under consideration would have seen Dunne join the Red Bull Junior Team in 2026, spending another season in Formula 2 before potentially stepping up to F1 by 2027. However, despite preliminary talks, no official agreement has been reached. Negotiations have stalled, and insiders describe the situation as “delicate,” with both sides taking time to evaluate their options.
While Dunne remains eager to secure a spot within a leading F1 development programme, Red Bull’s internal debate has left his next move uncertain. For Red Bull, whose academy has produced world champions like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, each new signing carries enormous expectations. The team’s philosophy emphasizes nurturing talent that can transition smoothly from F2 to F1 while maintaining composure and maturity under intense scrutiny.
The mixed opinions about Dunne’s suitability reflect a broader tension within Red Bull’s driver development strategy. Some senior figures believe the team should take a calculated risk on the Irishman, arguing that his speed and racecraft outweigh his current flaws. They view Dunne as a natural racer who could thrive in Red Bull’s high-pressure environment — much like Verstappen did after his rapid rise through the ranks.
Others, however, are more cautious. They fear that rushing Dunne into Red Bull’s notoriously competitive setup could backfire, citing examples of previous young drivers who struggled to meet expectations and were eventually dropped. The debate underscores Red Bull’s ongoing challenge of balancing talent scouting with long-term development, particularly at a time when its F1 and junior teams are brimming with prospects vying for limited seats.
For now, Dunne continues to focus on closing out his F2 season on a strong note, hoping his on-track results will speak louder than his mistakes. Meanwhile, Red Bull remains undecided — interested but hesitant.
While the door to Red Bull’s driver academy remains open, it is far from guaranteed that Dunne will step through it. His future could hinge on whether Red Bull chooses to prioritise potential over perfection — a decision that may shape not only his career trajectory but also the next chapter in Red Bull’s storied legacy of developing F1 superstars.
