Big step forward for Offaly's Alex Dunne
Teenage Offaly motorsport sensation Alex Dunne's career has received a significant boost with confirmation of a new role in Formula E racing.
Dunne, from Clonbullogue, has signed for NEOM McLaren as the team’s Reserve and Development Driver for the 2024/25 season of the FIA ABB Formula E World Championship.
Formula E is the world's first fully electric racing championship
In his role, Dunne will contribute to the team's development, while growing his knowledge and experience within the series. Alex has been part of the McLaren Racing family since May 2024, when he joined the McLaren Driver Development programme.
Dunne began his racing career at eight years old, before securing his first European karting title in the 2019. In 2021, he made his single-seater debut competing in the 2021 Spanish F4 Championship, and securing a combined 16 race wins across the British, UAE and Italian Formula 4 Championships while racing for Hitech Grand Prix and US Racing. Dunne was crowned the 2022 British F4 Champion as well as the Italian F4 Championship runner-up.
In 2023, Dunne was runner-up in the GB3 Championship with five victories and eight podiums. Last season, he competed in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with MP Motorsport while continuing his development with the support of the McLaren Driver Development programme.
Alex Dunne, Reserve and Development Driver, NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, 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."
Ian James, Managing Director, NEOM McLaren Electric Racing and Team Principal, NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, said: “I am delighted to welcome Alex to the team as the team's Reserve and Development Driver.
"Alex is an up-and-coming talent in single seater motorsport and has been part of the McLaren Driver Development programme since last season, through which we have been able to follow his progress and development. The team are looking forward to working with him in 2025. Alex will play an important role within our team, adding value to the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team with his drive and talent, while also gaining experience himself along the way.”