Red Bull Express Serious Doubts About Signing Top F2 Talent

Red Bull remains undecided on signing Formula 2 rookie Alex Dunne after his exit from McLaren’s junior program, despite a standout debut season with wins and multiple podiums.

Helmut Marko confirms discussions and describes Dunne as fitting Red Bull’s profile, yet internal opinion divides on whether his development curve supports an eventual Formula 1 graduation.

The key concern is discipline. Dunne holds 10 super licence penalty points, leaving only two in reserve before an automatic one‑race ban under the FIA’s 12‑point threshold.

That risk compounds doubts prompted by his abrupt McLaren split and error rate. The raw speed is clear, but repeated incidents erode confidence in near‑term F1 readiness.

A pragmatic pathway is under discussion: a full 2025 F2 campaign to prove consistency, with a conditional option to consider an F1 opportunity as far out as 2027.

Such timing would align with Red Bull’s longer‑range roster planning, preserving flexibility while assessing whether Dunne can translate pace into repeatable, low‑error execution across varied circuits and tyre profiles.

Red Bull’s evaluation extends beyond results. Converting qualifying speed, managing tyre degradation, and making clean overtakes rank highly alongside telemetry trends and feedback quality from engineers and team personnel.

Consistency relative to team‑mates and incident profile under pressure will likely determine whether Dunne earns a junior programme place or remains an external prospect monitored at arm’s length.

For 2025, the brief is straightforward. Reduce avoidable contact, maintain podium‑level pace, and demonstrate adaptability with set‑up and tyre use across changing conditions and safety‑car disrupted races.

No deal is agreed. Red Bull maintains interest but calibrates risk, while the paddock watches as other teams firm up junior pipelines and potential 2027 vacancies.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.