McLaren releases junior Alex Dunne, and Verstappen discusses GT3 drive

20:16, 02 Oct

Updated: 21:32, 02 Oct

byShayni Solanki

From Max Verstappen's GT3 drive to McLaren dropping Alex Dunne from their junior ranks, F1 Paddock Update discusses it all in the latest episode.

McLaren parts ways with Alex Dunne

McLaren announced earlier today that Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne was released from their Driver Development programme.

GPblog were first to report that the young Irishman was on Red Bull's radar in September.

GPblog also understands the Irish driver will probably go to the Red Bull junior programme.

As of today, there nothing has been agreed between the driver and Red Bull.

He currently sits fifth in the Formula 2 standings, having secured two feature race victories this season.

Verstappen discusses 2026 Nordschleife return

After a thrilling debut victory at the Nordschleife, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion discussed his potential return to GT3 racing in 2026.

Verstappen claimed that his return could be complicated by new regulations next year, with some unknowns around the GT3 program clouding his mind.

He said: "It depends on a lot of things to be honest. It depends on F1 first of all. I am suspecting of course that with the rules next year it's going to be very complicated to start with and some unknowns anyway, right?

"So it probably will be a little bit more hectic than the end of a regulation where things are a bit more straightforward.

"Plus, also the programme of the GT3 team, which car we are going to race next year, stuff like that. So a lot of things still have to come together before I can really plan it well in advance for just my drivers already in the team, plus myself.

"So for sure we want to be back there I just don't know at the moment of course myself how much or how many races I can do next year. But if there is an opportunity and I feel good about it plus whatever is happening in F1 then for sure."

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