The young Irish driver was added to McLaren’s Driver Development Programme in May 2024, marking a major step in his career. He went on to gain his first taste of Formula 1 machinery the following year, completing a test at the wheel of the McLaren MCL60 at Zandvoort.

Dunne’s involvement with the team continued into the 2025 season, highlighted by his first official practice appearance for McLaren during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend. However, ahead of the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix, the team confirmed that Dunne had been released from its junior programme.

Speaking to Balls.ie, Dunne explained the reasoning behind the decision: "For me, there's a goal and a plan in place and that's to be a Formula One driver. From the options that I knew I had, the decision we made was one that had to be made to be in F1.

"I think it's as simple as that, it was actually my decision. When my dad and I were talking about it, he wasn't 100% sure. Normally, he's the one who is 100% sure!”

He finally added: "For me, I felt like it was the right decision. I'm more than comfortable with that. I think, moving forward, we should be in an alright place.”

In his rookie Formula 2 campaign with Rodin Motorsport, Dunne showed plenty of promise, claiming two race victories, securing two pole positions and racking up eight podium finishes. He remained in the title fight for roughly the first two thirds of the season before ultimately ending the year in fifth place overall.

The Irishman will remain in Formula 2 for the 2026 season after failing to secure a move up to Formula 1, once again lining up with Rodin Motorsport.