McLaren announces official driver replacement.
McLaren has announced a driver change as they finalize their lineup for the 2025 season.
The team’s Formula 1 duo, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, propelled them to victory in the constructors’ championship last season—the first time since 1998. Now, they are both aiming to contend for drivers’ championships in 2025.
McLaren’s young driver program extends well beyond Formula 1. The team is preparing for the future with talents such as promising newcomer Ugo Ugochukwu, IndyCar standout Pato O’Ward, and Bianca Bustamante from Papaya’s 2024 F1 Academy lineup.
Another participant in the program is 19-year-old Irishman Alex Dunne, who has been assigned a new role as the team announces a driver replacement after an earlier reorganization.
Dunne has been promoted to a position at McLaren.
The NEOM McLaren Formula E team has recently promoted Taylor Barnard to partner with Sam Bird, moving him from his reserve driver position to a full-time seat for the 2024/2025 season. Previously, Barnard filled in for an injured Bird last season.
With Barnard’s promotion, a roster spot opened up, leading the team to promote F3 racer Dunne into the position of reserve and development driver for the 2024/25 season.
In an official statement, Dunne shared his enthusiasm for his new role and mentioned that he is ready to step in for Bird or Barnard if necessary during the rest of the season.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team as a reserve and development driver,” Dunne announced.
Collaborating with NEOM McLaren through the McLaren Driver Development program offers a fantastic opportunity to refine my skills. I am eager to contribute to the team and absorb as much knowledge as possible.
This weekend, Formula E makes its return with the highly anticipated Mexico E-Prix for Round 2.
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