McLaren Announces Driver Replacement in Finalization of 2025 Lineup
McLaren has confirmed a driver replacement in the finalization of their 2025 lineup, as the team continues to build on their constructors’ championship success from last season. The pairing of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri proved to be a winning formula for the team, and both drivers will be seeking to launch drivers’ championship bids in 2025.
However, McLaren’s focus on developing young talent extends far beyond their Formula 1 team. The team’s young driver program is designed to identify and nurture talented drivers from around the world, and includes drivers such as Ugo Ugochukwu, Pato O’Ward, and Bianca Bustamante.
One of the latest drivers to benefit from McLaren’s young driver program is 19-year-old Irishman Alex Dunne. Dunne has been promoted to the role of reserve and development driver for the NEOM McLaren Formula E team, following a reshuffle that saw Taylor Barnard step up to a full-time seat for the 2024/2025 season.
Barnard’s promotion left a vacancy on the roster, and Dunne has been selected to fill the role. As reserve and development driver, Dunne will be on hand to support the team and step in for drivers Sam Bird or Taylor Barnard should they be unable to compete.
In an official statement, Dunne expressed his excitement at the opportunity to join the NEOM McLaren Formula E team and work alongside some of the most talented drivers in the sport. “I’m thrilled to be joining the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team as reserve and development driver,” Dunne said. “Working with NEOM McLaren as part of my experience in the McLaren Driver Development programme is an excellent opportunity to hone my skills and learn from some of the best drivers and engineers in the sport.”
Dunne’s promotion is a testament to McLaren’s commitment to developing young talent and providing opportunities for drivers to progress through the ranks. As the team continues to build on their success in Formula 1 and Formula E, it will be exciting to see how Dunne and other young drivers in the McLaren program develop and grow in the coming years.
The NEOM McLaren Formula E team will be back in action this weekend at the Mexico E-Prix, Round 2 of the latest season. With a talented lineup and a strong support team, the team will be looking to build on their success and challenge for the top step of the podium.
