McLaren releases F2 talent Dunne with immediate effect!

Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne is no longer part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, the team confirmed.

"We wish Alex all the best for his career going forward," the Woking-based team announced.

The 19-year-old made two FP1 appearances so far this season at the Austrian and Italian Grands Prix.

Currently, he is fifth place in the Formula 2 standings, having won two feature races in Bahrain and Imola this year.

Around a month ago, GPblog could first report that the Austrian team is monitoring Dunne's situation with his now former team.

GPblog understood that representatives from Red Bull have already spoken with the driver's management team, and that the interest is mutual and the Irishman is also open to a potential move.

As of this Thursday, nothing has been agreed between Dunne and Red Bull.

McLaren was surprised by the news, as the team believed they had Dunne under contract for the years to come. That was not the case: Dunne's agreement would have expired after the season anyway.

McLaren had several plans for next year, such as having the youngster compete in the Japanese Super Formula series.

Ultimately, no agreement could be reached on any of these plans, GPblog understands.